NYAWO FINED E500 FOR SOCCER BOOTS THEFT

MBABANE – Mbabane Highlanders goalkeeper Qiniso Nyawo has pleaded guilty to the theft of soccer boots.

Nyawo appeared yesterday at the Mbabane Magistrates Court. According to the charge sheet, he was accused of stealing pink Nike soccer boots belonging to Machawe Xulu, valued at E1 600. When the charges were read to him, Nyawo pleaded guilty. Upon questioning by Senior Crown Counsel Chris Sibandze, he expressed remorse for the incident, asserting that it would never happen again. When asked which team he played for, he replied that he was with Mbabane Highlanders.

This prompted murmurs in the courtroom, as attendees noted that he was representing a Premier League team. The senior crown counsel remarked; “Do you realise that this is a significant team? Do not ever repeat such behaviour. You will be fined E500 or face five months’ imprisonment.” Dressed in a grey hoodie, blue track pants and sneakers, Nyawo appeared composed during the proceedings. At times, he was seen lowering his gaze, with his hands clasped behind his ears. Following the sentencing, he took a seat at the back of the courtroom before stepping outside to make a few phone calls. It was later revealed that he paid the fine on the spot. He confided to this publication that it was former Mbabane Swallows Logistics Manager Dumezweni Dlamini who came to his rescue.

“I want to sincerely apologise for my recent actions concerning the theft of soccer boots. I am truly sorry for taking my friend’s boots without his consent, and I regret the negative impact this has had on my friend, Mbabane Highlanders, and the football community as a whole,” Nyawo stated. He acknowledged that his actions had tarnished the team’s reputation.
“I am committed to ensuring that this will never happen again. I will work diligently to restore the reputation I have damaged and strive to conduct myself in a manner that reflects positively on our sport.” He emphasised that his actions were not indicative of the Highlanders, as they are well compensated.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to Dumezweni Dlamini for coming to my rescue and assisting me with the fine. My time in jail was a harrowing experience, and I have no desire to return.I promise to learn from this mistake.” Meanwhile, Dlamini, who selflessly assisted Nyawo by paying the fine, confirmed that he went to the court to provide the player with the necessary funds. “The arrest of a soccer player for stealing soccer boots is no laughing matter; it is a cause for concern. In Siswati, there is a saying that goes, ‘licala livula ingubo lingene,’ which calls for a deeper understanding of the case and encourages us to consider how we can bring life back to the affected individual’s heart.”

He advocated for compassion towards the young player, urging that he should not be vilified for his offence but rather corrected and encouraged to focus on his promising career. “This is not my first time assisting players, regardless of the team they represent; I have supported numerous players, some of whom I have backed since their trials for Premier League teams.”
Meanwhile, Highlanders Director Ally Kgomongwe stated that he was unaware of the incident but expressed his support for the player. When asked about the notion that players steal due to inadequate compensation, he asserted, “We pay our players well. That is why the players are siding with me.”

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