IDLE ‘WESLIANS’ BEMOAN FINANCIAL WOES

MBABANE – Hub giants Manzini Wanderers Managing Director (MD) Wellington Motsa, has revealed that they are grappling with financial challenges as they are still out of action this season.

Motsa said this situation has hugely impacted their revenue stream, which heavily relies on gate takings, as football in Eswatini is not subsidised. He says the inability to play has resulted in a loss of income, straining the team’s financial resources. “Our ongoing legal case has left us in a precarious situation, unable to participate in matches, which in turn has severely impacted our revenue stream. “It is common knowledge that football in Eswatini is not subverted and relies heavily on gate-takings. Without the ability to play, we have lost a crucial source of income, putting a significant strain on our financial resources,’’ Motsa says.

Worth noting is that the biggest gate collection figure recorded so far this season was E145 000. The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) collected this amount during the Mbabane derby. However, E112 000 was made from the top-flight grand opening doubleheader. Gate collections are taken by host teams, with PLE deducting 20 per cent, as its share from the gross collections.  The Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe-led outfit has not been playing in the ongoing league since the new campaign kicked off mid-Septembers.  

Uncertainty

The uncertainty surrounding their participation in either the MTN Premier League or National First Division (NFD) has also hindered their efforts to canvas sponsorships. He said most potential partners only promise to assist them once they are back in action. “This situation is also taking a severe toll on our players. Their mental state is draining, given that soccer is not just a passion, but a source of their livelihood. They support their families through this profession and the uncertainty is causing significant stress as well as anxiety,” the MD said.
The MD feels that football authorities have not been just in allowing such a simple matter to drag on for so long. They implore the relevant authorities to expedite a fair resolution to restore normality and support the livelihoods dependent on the club.

Meanwhile, the Management Committee (MC) Chairman, Jabulane Dlamini also clarified that they have not yet frozen training. Dlamini said they had to cut it down from five to two days a week. He said they spent at least E2 000 on training, with costs sometimes escalating above that. He said the main source of funds has been some individuals’ pockets.

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