FOLLOWING LANDMARK RULING: WANDERERS BACK

MBABANE – It is finally over!

This is the about six months old relegation battle between hub giants Manzini Wanderers and rivals Denver Sundowns, which was eventually concluded by Judge Mumcy Dlamini, on Saturday night. The ‘Weslians’, after the same judge ordered that the local football authorities review and set aside the Eswatini Football Association (EFA ) Appeals Board verdict, ran back to the court to apply for execution of the order. The reason for the maroon and white hub giants to go back to court was due to the fact that the order was not implemented, as they demanded to play in the ongoing MTN Premier League season. It was not implemented as Moneni Pirates had filed an appeal on the day of the ruling.

Judgment

The case was back in court, this past Friday, before Judge Dlamini, who after hearing the parties’ submissions, reserved her judgment. It is worth mentioning that Dlamini advised the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) to nullify the match between the two sides, which was played at the Somhlolo National Stadium on May 19, 2024. According to a source close to the matter, Judge Dlamini passed her judgment late on Saturday night, which went to the Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule-captained side’s favour. The judgment forces the PLE to fixture Wanderers in the upcoming matches.

According to the order in possession of this publication, Dlamini granted Wanderers in their request for application for leave of execution. “The 1st (PLE) and 4th (EFA) respondents are hereby ordered to comply with orders of September 27, 2024, with the view in so doing,  the 3rd respondent (Moneni Pirates) is not adversely affected,” reads part of the judgment.
The judgment further ordered that the applicant (Wanderers) be included in the Premier League fixture programme and that any other necessary steps be taken to normalise the situation.
The Judge finally ordered that Denver Sundowns pay costs of suites. Based on the ruling, there are now 15 teams in the Premier League. This means one team has to be on standby every week. This happens in the National First Division, where there are 13 teams.

According to a legal expert, who commented on condition of anonymity, should the first respondent (PLE) fail to abide to the order, they could be charged with contempt of court.
“I think Sundowns will have to pay around E20 000,” the expert said.Meanwhile, it all started when Wanderers lodged a protest over Sundowns defender Jimoh Moses, alleging that he had no valid work permit in the MTN Premier League relegation six-pointer, which was played at Somhlolo National Stadium on May 19, 2024.

The matter was first before the EFA judicial bodies which dismissed the protest, with Wanderers challenging the chairpersons to recuse themselves. This made Wanderers take it to the High Court for review. After lengthy postponements in courts, Wanderers were granted their wish. Meanwhile, Sundowns Chief Executive Officer Elvis Dube, said they would challenge the order.“We are aware of the verdict, and our lawyers are working on an appeal which we will file tomorrow (today),” said Dube.

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