‘BIRDS’, NSINGIZINI FACE OVER E0.5M FINE

MBABANE – Elite league sides Nsingizini Hotspurs and Mbabane Swallows could attract the wrath of the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Disciplinary Committee (DC) following unwanted scenes, two days ago.

This potential disciplinary action may be in response to unsporting behaviour exhibited during the MTN Premier League match between Insingizi YeZulu and Umkhonto KaShaka, played at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium on Sunday. The two teams faced-off in a game that ended in a 1-all draw. Swallows opened the scoring just eight minutes into the game, when Ayanda ‘Gandanganda’ Gadlela scored with a low ground shot that goalkeeper Sibusiso ‘Baraba’ Dlamini could have saved, but the ball slipped through his fingers.  Nsingizini equalised later in the match when Neliso ‘Shaka’ Myeni finished off a beautiful, well-timed cross from Mncedisi ‘Mphotho’ Dlamini.

According to a footage obtained by this publication, the incident occurred when Nsingizini Hotspurs defender Meshack Lushaba tackled Kwakhe Tfwala from Mbabane Swallows. The confrontation between the two players escalated, leading to a physical altercation, where they head-butted each other. This sparked a fierce fight involving technical benches, players and officials, which stopped the game for almost 10 minutes. As a result of the incident, Referee Thulani ‘Goje’ Sibandze showed red cards to both Tfwala and Lushaba, ejecting them from the game. Additionally, the video footage captured Alexio Sergion, coach of the Shiselweni-based team, engaging in a dispute with Ncamiso Mabuza, Head of Marketing for Mbabane Swallows.

Such unsporting behaviour is frowned upon by the MTN Premier League Rules and Regulations and should this incident be captured in the referee and match commissioner’s reports, the two teams might be hauled before the DC. The Eswatini giants could be charged under Articles 55.3.6.1, 55.55.3.6.7, Article  55.5.2, Article 55.3.1, Article 55.3.6.1  and Article 55.3.6.1 of the 2023/24 MTN Premier League Rules and Regulations. If found guilty, the two teams may face fines totalling over E500 000, with each team potentially being fined E250 000. Additionally, other players from both teams involved in the fight may be suspended. Nsingizini could also face additional charges for the behaviour of their supporters, who threw objects during the chaos. The final decision on the disciplinary actions will be made by the DC, which is led by Thulani Sibandze.

According to a source within the refereeing fraternity, more players are likely to be suspended by the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) pending the submission of the referees’ match report, this morning. The report is expected to provide further insights and details regarding the incident, which may lead to additional disciplinary actions against the players involved.

disciplinary

“More players may face disciplinary action, following the incident, and the teams involved will likely be penalised significantly. This case could set a precedent in the history of Eswatini football, as the fines imposed may be unprecedented. It is crucial for all teams and players to understand the gravity of their actions and the consequences they may face for wayward behaviour or violations of the rules,” the source said. PLE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kenneth Makhanya stated that his office was still awaiting the match reports before making an official comment. He indicated that the reports would provide essential insights into the incident, and the PLE will then be able to address the matter appropriately. “The PLE does not condone misconduct at PLE matches. Violent misconduct is not acceptable at all,” he said.

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