FOLLOWING G.MAMBA OFFICIAL ‘TSIKI’ ATTACK: FOLLOWING G.MAMBA OFFICIAL ‘TSIKI’ ATTACK: ‘BIRDS’ FACE E90K FINE

MANZINI – Assaulted Green Mamba official Lawrence ‘Tsiki’ Mncina has reacted to the disturbing incident.

Mncina, who recently pulled the plug on his illustrious career spanning over a decade and a half, is the official who was attacked by some Mbabane Swallows marshals and fans during the epic MTN Premier League clash played at Mavuso Sports Centre, two days ago.  Swallows won 1-0. After retirement, late last year; he assumed an administrative role at Green Mamba.
Narrating the ordeal, he shared that he was among Green Mamba officials sitting at the allocated area next to the tunnels, when he stood up in a bid to relay a message to team Trainer Mbuso Gina, who was with the substitutes.

“As I stood up, one of the Swallows marshals followed me and I explained that I needed to communicate with Gina, which is part of my administrative duties in the team. I’m more of a data analyst for the team. The marshal started issuing instructions to me on where I should go and I agreed. I wanted to get closer to Gina and stood by the ambulances to shout the instructions.

“As all this happened, I was escorted by the Swallows marshal. We even discussed the path I should follow to return to my seat. Without notice, he started blocking my way, but I raised my hands as a symbolic gesture of surrender. His actions incited the other marshals who ran to attack me. Without provocation, I was immediately floored and some fans joined in and kicked me all over the body,” he narrated.

Mncina shared that he sustained serious injuries in his leg and struggled to even stand and had to be stretchered to the ambulance that was inside the stadium. He highlighted that he is relieved there are no reported damages on the head, at least for now.“I was treated by the paramedics at the stadium and discharged. I will visit the doctor for further check-ups,” he said.
Mncina said he would not press charges with the police but would expect the football rules to be applied by the authorities in dealing with the matter.

“I don’t know what might have led to the attack. I was made to believe it had to do with suspicions of carrying foreign substances. I’m hurt because I only had the documents I use in my line of duty and I don’t believe in foreign substances at all. It’s painful to be attacked when you have never provoked anyone throughout your entire life,” he added. Swallows Public Relations Officer (PRO) Knowledge ‘Bhambo’ Ngwenya said the team is against this act.
clarity
“We are still to get clarity on what took place. As management we are against such violent acts,” he said.
On top of compensating the survivor, assault in the Premier League, as per the rules, is punishable with a hefty fine. The team could also be charged using Article 7.1(d) of the Premier League Rules and Regulations that frowns on uttering derogatory words towards anyone at a stadium. This article states that the use of provocative or insulting gestures or signals, unbecoming behaviour or conspiracy or attempt to act to bring football into disrepute or inciting people to behave in a manner that brings the game of football into disrepute, the offender stands to be fined a minimum of E25 000 by the DC. The action is also against Article 7. 1(g), which is about failure to control the fans. In total, this means that the team could be fined up to E90 000, should they appear before the DC.

Warning

PLE through their Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Petros ‘Pat’ Vilakati issued a warning to unruly fans. Vilakati was responding to a questionnaire asked by Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS) Sportshow host Siphesihle ‘Sihlabani’ Nxumalo. He had asked what measures the PLE would take following the incident. “Fans should behave themselves in stadiums. We are still to get finer details of what transpired before dealing with this matter,” he said.

Meanwhile, before his retirement, the then-exciting diminutive midfielder had played in the Premier League for 16 years. ‘Tsiki’ was recruited by the late former Sihlangu Assistant Coach Gcina ‘Magiyane’ Dlamini to play for former Premier League side Mhlambanyatsi Rovers, in 2007, from Pigg’s Peak Dragons while still a learner at Mhlatane High School, outside Pigg’s Peak. He went on to join Green Mamba, in 2011. In honouring him, Green Mamba retired his jersey number eight, for this season (2024/25).
(Additional information by Ashmond Nzima)

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