‘BIRDS’, ‘BUCS’, EZULWINI UTD FACE E110K FINE

MBABANE – The integrity of the game has been brought into disrepute following recent events during a heated encounter between Ezulwini United and Moneni Pirates.
In a separate incident, fans of Mbabane Swallows obstructed match officials after their clash against Young Buffaloes. The two teams may soon face scrutiny from the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Disciplinary Committee (DC), due to their unsporting conduct during an MTN Premier League match held at the Mavuso Sports Centre, this past Saturday.
The game concluded with a scoreline of 3-1 in favour of Moneni Pirates, with goals from Richard Ofuso, the right-back, who played a pivotal role with a brace, and striker Mayibongwe Malinga, who sealed the victory after coming on in the second half. Ezulwini United managed a consolation goal through veteran defender Mandla ‘Mshana’ Palma from the penalty spot.

Win

This win allowed Zenzile Mpofu’s side to maintain their fifth position in the league standings with 21 points, while United, under Coach Musa Manyatsi, languish in 11th  place with just 12 points as they approach the final games of the first round this weekend. The match faced a significant interruption lasting nearly five minutes as players engaged in a tumultuous brawl, prompting Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) officers to intervene. The altercation was ignited by a severe tackle from Ezulwini United’s Bandile Zwane on Mazwi Sihlongonyane, who reacted angrily, leading to a series of confrontations among players. Referee Vusani Dlamini, having recently faced criticism for his officiating in a match between Mbabane Highlanders and Nsingizni Hotspurs, was compelled to issue red cards to four players in response to the escalating situation. Zwane and Siyabonga Magagula of Ezulwini United, along with Mazwi Sihlongonyane and Phumlane ‘Bin’ Shongwe of Moneni Pirates, were shown their marching orders as the situation threatened to spiral further out of control.

condemnation

Such unsporting behaviour is met with condemnation from the EFA DC. Should this incident be documented in the referee’s and match commissioner’s reports, both teams may be summoned to appear before the committee. The teams could face fines as stipulated in the 2024/25 MTN Premier League Rules and Regulations, which may amount to a maximum of E90 000 for each club. Regrettably, violence has become increasingly prevalent in the elite league. Another match last month descended into chaos, highlighting an unfortunate trend within the sport. The encounter between Mbabane Highlanders and Nsingizni Hotspurs saw tensions boil over into a three-minute brawl, overshadowing the essence of sportsmanship.
The importance of disciplinary committees in maintaining order and enforcing fair play principles in sports cannot be overstated. A recent example from South Africa involved Kaizer Chiefs, who were fined E150 000 by the Premier Soccer League Disciplinary Committee due to spectator misconduct.

dismissed

Players from Pirates who were dismissed during the match against Ezulwini United have since issued sincere apologies for their on-field behaviour. Acknowledging their mistakes, these players conveyed their commitment to fostering the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship in football. In an alarming development later that evening, match officials from the Young Buffaloes and Mbabane Swallows encounter were held hostage by fans. Under police protection, the officials awaited clearance as some supporters, allegedly from the city giants, blocked access to the dressing rooms. The fans expressed dissatisfaction with the refereeing decisions, particularly during the first-half, which they felt were unfavourable. The financially-troubled Swallows may face charges for contravening Article 7(b), which pertains to threats of assault against match officials or other participants. Penalties under this article range from a minimum fine of E5 000 to a maximum of E20 000 for failing to conduct themselves in an orderly manner.

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