STRUGGLING KILLERS DENIED E20K PRIZE 6 SEASONS ON

MBABANE – Unbelievable!

MTN National First Division (NFD) outfit, Ludzeludze Killers are still waiting for their championship prize six seasons after winning a promotion to this division.  The Ludzeludze-based team earned their spot in the second tier back in the 2018/19 season, triumphing in the Manzini Regional Super League.  However, the promised E20 000 prize money has never materialised, leaving the club struggling financially.

A source close to the Ndumiso Fakudze-led side revealed the team has written countless letters to the Manzini Regional Football Association (MRFA) requesting what is rightfully theirs, but to no avail. The source added that the MRFA has failed to provide any update on the funds, leaving the club in the dark.

“The team is currently struggling financially and I’ve heard they are seeking assistance from anyone willing to help,” the source explained. An investigation into the matter revealed Killers are still owed their dues. The MRFA Chairman, Vusi Hall confirmed that they were indeed never given their prize money.  Hall claimed that the league’s sponsor, whose name was deliberately held was absent when it came time to present the awards.  

“The league was sponsored by a certain company, but when it was time to present the winners, they were nowhere to be found,” Hall said. He further alleged that although they had a three-year agreement with the sponsor, they denied having a deal with the MRFA when the time came to pay up.  “I was there, but not as chairman.  The launch was even attended by former Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Adam ‘Bomber’ Mthethwa,” he recalled.

Hall explained that the MRFA even took the sponsor to the High Court, but their legal representative passed away before the case could be concluded.  He added that they will explore avenues to bring the case back to court so the team can finally receive their due. Meanwhile, efforts to get Ace Siboza, who served as the Chairman during the time this incident happened failed as his phone rang unanswered.

Killers Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ndumiso Fakudze, confirmed they are still waiting for the E20 000 owed to them as the 2018/19 champions.  “I intend to serve the MRFA with a letter to remind them of what is due to us,” Fakudze said. He expressed his frustration at the MRFA’s lack of communication, which has worsened the club’s financial difficulties. 

“We now find ourselves seeking donations, yet we have money which could have helped us start life in the NFD well,” he lamented. In the previous week, the team also revealed that they are owed about E70 000 cash by some elite teams. This money was accumulated after the sale of players.

Meanwhile, Killers situation is similar to what happened to Enugu Rangers, who won the Nigerian Professional Football League, but the promised prize money from the league sponsors was delayed for a considerable period, causing financial strain on the club. The situation led to protests from the players and staff, highlighting the challenges faced by the club due to the delay.

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