BULL-YING CLAIMS FOR ’LANDERS

MBABANE - Mbabane Highlanders are seeking to withdraw from the MTN ‘Super Sunday’ clashes. This revelation comes from a leaked letter addressed to the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE), in which the team appeals for a rescheduling of their weekend fixture. The ‘Black Bull’ are slated to play at Mavuso Sports Centre on Sunday, with a kick-off time of 4:30pm. Before the fixture, Ezulwini United will play against Mbabane Swallows at the same venue.

“According to the 2024/2025 MTN Rules and Regulations Article 4 [7], this fixture is classified as a home game for our club and we, therefore, reserve the rights to host Pirates at a venue, date and time of our choosing,” the letter states.Highlanders further expressed in the letter: “We have been informed that our club is scheduled to play at Mavuso Sports Centre without our involvement as hosts. We would have appreciated prior consultation from your office before this decision was made.” The letter also emphasised, “Our primary objective now is to secure points at our preferred ground as hosts rather than participating in a ‘Y’ello’ Sunday fixture.”Highlanders pointed out, “During the first round of this fixture, we were hosted at the same ground by Pirates, and we expect the same advantage this time around.”

Advantage

They reasoned that “Due to our precarious position on the log, playing at our preferred ground in a single-header match will provide us with a significant advantage.” The capital giants further insisted in the letter, “We acknowledge that there will come a time when your office will schedule all the teams based on their standings towards the end of the season. The social responsibility extends to all teams participating in the league, thus some should be afforded the opportunity to compete.” They expressed hope that the PLE will consider their request favourably.

However, when questioned about the issue, the PLE confirmed receipt of the letter and indicated that they have responded to Highlanders, as stated by PLE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pat Vilakati. “You may inquire with them regarding our response, as we believe they have also communicated their correspondence to you. Obtain their feedback on what we conveyed.”
According to Highlanders CEO Musa Masuku, they are still awaiting written response from PLE.

Masuku confirmed that they have formally written to the PLE concerning the fixture change. “We wish to play at Mkhuzeni Technical Centre; our focus is not on gate receipts or any financial aspect, but rather on exercising our right to play at our preferred venue as dictated by the rules. We await a written response from the PLE.” According to the MTN Rules and Regulations Article 3 (12), it states that the host club must inform the PLE office of the venue, date and starting time of their match at least 14 days prior to the scheduled date.

Discretion

Failure to do so may compel the PLE to exercise its discretion in fixture arrangements. It further stipulates that the host team must fulfil hosting obligations when match organisers or relevant authorities alter provisions due to health protocols or other reasons. Article 4(3) of the MTN Rules and Regulations states, “Should any club wish to request a change to a fixture, such request must be submitted at least seven (7) days before the scheduled start of the match. Amendments to fixtures will only be granted in extreme circumstances at the discretion of the PLE.”

Article 4(4) specifies that fixture changes can only be requested if permission has been sought in accordance with Articles 4.2 and 4.3. “No fixture may be altered in any manner whatsoever, with the exception that the PLE retains the right to modify fixtures at its discretion.” Article 4(5) asserts that a club must designate the ground for its home fixtures, along with an alternative venue. If the League deems it impracticable to play at the designated venue for any reason, the League may, at any time before the match, schedule it at an alternative venue or postpone the fixture.

Additionally, Article 4(6) states that if a club cannot play its home fixture at the designated ground, the League may order the club to play at its alternative home ground or another venue determined by the League. All reasonable costs incurred due to the change shall be borne by the original home club. It is worth noting that the fixture between Nsingizini Hotspurs and Royal Leopard, originally scheduled for King Sobhuza Stadium on Sunday, alongside Rangers versus Green Mamba, was rescheduled by the PLE to a standalone fixture on Saturday at the same venue.

In the English Premier League (EPL), teams have also faced similar challenges in hosting matches at different venues due to various circumstances. A notable example occurred with Manchester City in February 2018, when they were set to host West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium. Severe weather conditions, including heavy snowfall, ultimately led to the match being called off just hours before kick-off.

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