‘BULL’ SUPPORTERS TAKE GATE TAKINGS

MKHUZWENI – Desperate times indeed call for desperate measures!

This axiom encapsulates the actions of the Mbabane Highlanders supporters, who took the gate takings from yesterday’s match against Sidwashini United at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre. Highlanders managed to secure a 1-1 draw, courtesy of a late penalty from Philani Mkhonto; without it, they faced the real prospect of losing the match. Reports indicate that the total gate takings exceeded E19 000, with Highlanders supporters - who wished to remain anonymous - confirming that they appropriated over E7 000 from this amount.

The remaining funds were allocated to the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) and Green Mamba, with the latter receiving 35 per cent of the share. Insiders within Highlanders revealed that they had requested Green Mamba to increase their share to at least 50 per cent in order to meet urgent financial needs. When pressed about the protocol concerning gate takings, the anonymous source explained that while they understood that Managing Director (MD) Chief Ally Kgomongwe was responsible for collecting the funds, they had resolved not to forward the money to him. Instead, they intended to use the funds to cover essential expenses for the team, such as booking the stadium (which costs E1 500), compensating ball boys and providing breakfast as well as lunch for the players before yesterday’s match, among other necessities.

Loss

They lamented operating at a loss, attributing their financial struggles to a lack of support from the director, which had led them into debt and compelled them to seek alternative resources to keep the team afloat. Meanwhile, Banele Masondo, PLE Acting Football Manager confirmed that those in charge were indeed disbursed the cash from the gate takings. Unlike previous occasions when ticket sales were involved, he indicated that cash was collected on the day. He also asserted that Green Mamba received their fair share, disputing claims that the Highlanders supporters took the gate takings; rather, it was understood that the distribution of the funds was at the discretion of the Highlanders’ management. Efforts to draw comments from Kgomongwe were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to WhatsApp messages sent at approximately 7pm last night.  

In earlier matches, such as the Mbabane derby between Highlanders and Swallows, which Highlanders hosted, the team reportedly generated around E65 000, as confirmed by the director. He noted that the players had petitioned the PLE to release gate takings to them; however, he clarified that these funds would not be released owing to a court garnishee directing payment of E40 000 to Swallows.  

Struggle

Highlanders continue to struggle both on and off the field, with their director seemingly abandoning them due to tensions with supporters seeking to wrest control of the team from him. He was quoted as stating that he would allow them to run the team but would resume control should they fail. As highlighted earlier, the ‘Black Bull’ players have previously petitioned the PLE for access to gate takings. Instances of players boycotting training in pursuit of owed salaries have also been noted, with two months’ wages still pending. The turmoil at Highlanders is not isolated, as Mbabane Swallows are also experiencing their share of drama, with players initially boycotting training and matches over salary disputes.

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