CUP COMMITTEE READY TO FIXTURE WANDERERS, IF ...

MBABANE – “If you want to play in the second-tier, we are ready to fixture you even today.”
These comments were made by the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Competitions Committee (CC) during proceedings at the High Court of Eswatini yesterday. These sentiments were directed at Manzini Wanderers. The ‘Weslians’, represented by their legal counsel, submitted a certificate of urgency two days prior, after being excluded from the 2024/25 Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF)-sponsored Ingwenyama Cup draw.

presented

The draw took place at SMVAF headquarters, this past Monday. The matter was presented before High Court Judge Bongani S Dlamini, with the EFA CC represented by Sabela Dlamini from Magagula/Hlophe Attorneys, while Wanderers were represented by Advocate Mduduzi ‘Tsotsi’ Mabila, appointed by SM Jele Attorneys. The judge noted that he had received the submissions from both parties and advised the EFA CC to file their heads of argument by the close of business yesterday for his review overnight. He also enquired why the issue was not resolved internally. In his submissions, Mabila stated that every team affiliated with the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) has the right to participate in the tournament.

Clarification

He highlighted that the PLE raised concerns in their answering affidavit regarding this matter. The judge sought clarification on which division Wanderers were affiliated with in the PLE. Mabila clarified that the issue was not about the specific division, but rather about their desire to be included in the tournament. “We are not challenging the seeding but rather the right to participate in the tournament,” the advocate explained. Sabela Dlamini, representing the EFA CC, stated that should Wanderers wish to play as a National First Division side, the committee was prepared to fixture them at any time. At this juncture, the judge suggested that both parties engage in discussions to resolve the matter.

qualify

Meanwhile, Meluleki Ndlangamandla from MLK Ndlangamandla Attorneys, representing the PLE, asserted that Wanderers do not qualify to participate according to the Ingwenyama Cup Rules. “The applicant is neither among the 14 teams participating in the Premier League nor in the National First Division. Rule 3.1 of the Ingwenyama Cup 2024/25 clearly stipulates that only the 14 teams participating are eligible, and the applicant is not involved in either the PLE or the NFD,” the statement reads.

Ndlangamandla continued in their answering affidavit, stating that Article 16 of the rules indicates that the draw is conducted based on the latest log standings of both the Premier League and NFD. “The applicant is not listed in the 2024/25 log standings in either league, thus lacking the authority to approach the court for an interdict or review when it does not meet the tournament’s qualification criteria,” the affidavit noted. The PLE further indicated that the determination of the applicant’s status as a Premier League or NFD team is a matter for the Supreme Court. They asserted that the High Court lacks the jurisdiction to address or hear the subject matter currently before the superior court. After hearing the submissions, the judge adjourned the matter, which is scheduled to be heard again today at 11 am.

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