WESLIANS’ CLOSE TO E0.5M LEGAL BILL

MANZINI - Hub giants Manzini Wanderers have reported that prolonged legal battles, spanning almost six months, have drained their finances.

Wanderers have been embroiled in a protest case against Denver Sundowns since the conclusion of the 2023/24 MTN League in May. The outcome of this case could potentially allow the ‘Weslians’ to avoid relegation if they win the battles that have escalated to the High and Supreme Courts. Initially, the ‘Weslians’ lodged a protest on May 19, claiming that Sundowns’ Ghanaian defender, Jimoh Moses, was ineligible to play in the decisive match, which they eventually lost 4-2.

They argued that he did not possess a valid work permit, a claim that was ruled in their favour by the High Court, after they initially lost it before the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Disciplinary Committee (DC) and EFA Appeals Board. The court decision was subsequently appealed by Denver Sundowns and Moneni Pirates, alongside the PLE appealing another court ruling regarding the inclusion of Wanderers in the top-flight league’s fixtures.

However, during a supporters’ meeting held at the Swaziland Catholic Centre, Caritas in Manzini yesterday, the team disclosed the staggering legal costs. Managing Director (MD) Wellington Motsa revealed that they spent E250 000 on Southern Africa’s Senior Counsel Advocate, Norman Arendse. The maroon and white outfit sought Arendse’s services for their appeal case before the EFA Appeals Board. After losing the appeal, they sought further intervention.

Appealed

Motsa mentioned that the legal fees had accumulated significantly, estimating the costs to be between E200 000 and E300 000. He further informed the fans that they had won most of the court matters, but the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) had appealed a court ruling that mandated the organisation to fixture them. He stated that they are still awaiting a judgment from Judge Mbutfo Mamba regarding PLE’s appeal. Motsa lamented that their coffers are running dry, affecting their ability to cater for the welfare of the players and daily operations.

The primary agenda of the three-hour meeting was to update the fans on the current situation, as the team remains inactive. NSC Chairman Mandla Khumalo was the first to address the gathering, followed by MD Wellington Motsa and then Management Committee (MC) Chairman Jabulani Dlamini. The Chairman of the Council of Elders, Joe Mkumane, was the last to speak. However, after the first three speakers, some fans expressed their displeasure that none had apologised for the team’s current state and the delayed formal update. The speakers acknowledged their oversight and the failure to help the team avoid such a situation last season.

The fans felt they deserved a formal meeting to be informed about the team’s position at the bottom of the 2023/24 MTN Premier League and the outcomes of the EFA DC and Appeals Board rulings. Fans expressed heartbreak over not being able to watch their beloved team for three months in the new league campaign and voiced frustration over the uncertainty of when they could do so. They understood the current predicament, but suggested that the team needed to improve its administration and management to avert future occurrences. They called for the removal of certain officials whom they believed played a major role in the team’s struggles, while also blaming the entire MC.

MD Motsa noted the fans’ concerns and urged them to provide proof for their accusations, which would assist in improving the current situation. The Chairman of the Council of Elders, Mkumane, also offered a sincere apology, acknowledging that fans deserved formal updates. He noted that the delay in communication might have been due to being overwhelmed by the unfolding events, which prolonged reporting to the fans—a duty that should have been prioritised. He called for unity during these challenging times, urging the ‘Weslians’ family to remain united and patiently await the court’s decisions. He also cautioned against making accusations within the team and suggested addressing individuals directly to resolve any mistakes.

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