PLE RAKED IN E345 000 FROM FINES LAST SEASON

MBABANE – The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) has earned E345 000 in fines in the 2023/24 season.

This figure is detailed in the PLE activity report presented, on Saturday, during the organisation’s annual general meeting (AGM), held at Sigcwaca House.  The report highlights a significant reduction in fines compared to last year’s total of E470 374, reflecting a decline of E140 374. Notably, Mbabane Highlanders emerged as the most heavily fined team, contributing E55 000 to the total. This marks a substantial decline for Highlanders, who were the top offenders last year, with fines amounting to E165 000.  

In second position this past season, were Nsingizini Hotspurs, who were fined E35 000, while both Mbabane Swallows and Rangers paid E30 000 each, falling E5 000 short of Hotspurs. Green Mamba completed the top five highest fines with a penalty of E25 000. It is worth noting that this marks the second consecutive season, in which Manzini Wanderers have concluded without incurring any fines.  

Rankings

In the National First Division, Tambankulu Callies, who are now known as Red Rhinos, led the rankings with a fine of E17 000. During the presentation of the report, PLE Football Manager Pat Vilakati commented on the figures. “Everyone involved in the game under the auspices of the PLE — be it players, match officials, coaches, owners or administrators — bear a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity, in addition to compliance with the PLE Statutes, Football Manual, and Rules and Regulations,” Vilakati stated. He emphasised the importance of maintaining the game’s reputation and denounced any acts of violence and the use of derogatory language or behaviour.  

Vilakati commended teams who had taken proactive measures by deploying stewards at all matches to deter fan violence, which often leads to significant fines. “We also encourage teams to thoroughly familiarise themselves with the Football Manual alongside the regulations for proper understanding. “The 2023/24 season witnessed the least instances of violence involving players and club officials, with only two reported incidents to the PLE taking place during an MTN PLE match between Nsingizini Hotspurs and Mbabane Swallows, and in the Ingwenyama Cup semi-final between Mbabane Highlanders and Mbabane Swallows,” he added.

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