MBABANE – Angry fans reportedly grounded Manzini Wanderers’ trip to South Africa for practice matches, as they demanded better welfare for the players.
Wanderers were scheduled to face a Motsepe National First Division (NFD) side, Kruger United, in two matches, the first of which was set for 10am.
However, the team’s departure was met with angry fans, whose behaviour saw police called to intervene. Police intervention, however, failed to salvage the trip, which was eventually cancelled.
The ‘Weslians’ were travelling to KaNyamazane, formerly known as Lekazi, a township about 30km from Nelspruit.
According to a well-placed source, the fans felt that the money that was being used for the cancelled trip should have instead be diverted towards boosting the players’ welfare, such as providing incentives and improving the condition of the clubhouse, among other things.
“What irked them most were reports that the MC (management committee) taking the team to Nelspruit remained unknown to the club, as they haven’t been seen involved in the day-to-day running of the club,” the source said.
The source further added that fans felt they should be in unity with the incumbent MC members whom they always see who are always at the training sessions, secured the clubhouse, bought training equipment and recruited the players.
It is worth noting that in the past week, there were reports alleging the existence of another self-imposed MC.
It was said to have given the current MC, led by Jabulani Dlamini, which Club Managing Director (MD) Wellington Motsa said was the only official MC, with the others being rumours and unofficial, a 48-day ultimatum to resign.
Unfortunately, the MC did not step down on Thursday as expected and the opposing MC was allegedly expected to be unveiled in Nelspruit yesterday.
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