‘WESLIANS’ LODGE COMPLAINT AGAINST DC CHAIR

MBABANE – They are not throwing in the towel yet!

This is the story of Manzini Wanderers, who have written to the Eswatini Football Association (EFA). The maroon and white giants felt that the EFA Disciplinary (DC) Chairperson Thulani Sibandze was supposed to recuse himself in the protest case against Denver Sundowns, which they lost, this past Monday. Sibandze passed his final judgment on the month-long relegation saga between Wanderers and Sundowns night at Sigwaca House.

The EFA DC ruled against the maroon and white hub giants after they had protested on Ikappa Kappa Skipper Jimoh Moses. They alleged that the former Mbabane Highlanders defender had no valid work permit, allowing him to ply his trade in the country. The protest was lodged ahead of their relegation six-pointer which was played at the Somhlolo National Stadium, which Wanderers lost 4-2.

The Weslians, in a letter addressed to the EFA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Frederick Mngomezulu, shared that it had come to their attention that there was a gross irregularity in the hearing, as the Chairperson Sibandze deliberately failed, neglected and/or concealed the fact that he had a long-standing relationship with Sundowns legal representative.

Sundowns were represented by Zakhele Dlamini in the matter. The latter is also Athletics Eswatini president. “These two are legal practitioners who have consistently worked together on several occasions,” reads part of the letter. They feel that there was a reasonable apprehension that Sibandze would not be impartial after he was appointed by Dlamini in one of his cases.

“It follows therefore that in the interest of justice and fairness, Sibandze ought to have disclosed this material fact and mero motu recused himself from this hearing as there was a reasonable apprehension that he would be biased and/or impartial as Dlamini was his companion in his disputes,” reads an attract from the later. Mero motu is a Latin phrase that means doing something voluntarily without being told or influenced by someone else.In their complaint, Wanderers also appealed to the EFA, as the appointing authority of the DC, to call upon Sibandze to show cause why he should not be removed with immediate effect.

In their complaint, Wanderers have further annexed the DC verdict delivered by Sibandze in the much-piblicised matter between AE and Coach Muzi Mabuza.  The latter was found guilty for countless charges that include discriminatory remarks against some AE Board members. Furthermore, Wanderers seek EFA to immediately look into and decide on the irregularity on before the pronouncement of the written judgement today.

Meanwhile, EFA Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi ‘Rhoo’ Radebe said no letter of that nature had reached his office, by the time this report was compiled yesterday.Early this week, this publication reported that Wanderers gave EFA an ultimatum to furnish them with the written verdict. They intend to appeal the DC verdict that ends their 67-year in the Premier League.

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