MATSAPHA — Midfielder Lindani ‘Rio’ Matsenjwa has become the latest departure from Green Mamba, taking the club’s tally of exits to seven.
Inyok’eluhlazane confirmed his release on transfer via their official Facebook page yesterday morning. The exact details surrounding his surprising departure remained sparse at the time of publication.
Matsenjwa was left out of the squad by Assistant Coach Dumisani ‘DU’ Makhanya as his former side fired blanks in a goalless draw against capital city giants Mbabane Highlanders AM last Saturday. He featured solely as a substitute during Green Mamba’s 8Bet Trade Fair Cup campaign, which saw the side finish fourth after enduring a gruelling schedule of five games in four days.
Sources within the club suggest Matsenjwa was asked to sit out training sessions pending a disciplinary hearing held yesterday. This follows allegations that he refused to come on as a substitute during Green Mamba’s TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup second-leg tie against 1º de Agosto in Angola just over a week ago.
It is understood the Green Mamba technical staff attempted to introduce him with the side already 2-0 down late in the game, before ultimately succumbing to a 4-0 aggregate defeat against the Angolan outfit. However, Matsenjwa has firmly rejected claims of insubordination. “I just do not know any of the reasons cited with regards to refusing coming in as a substitute,” he said.
Green Mamba Chief Executive Officer Ntuthuko Dlamini confirmed the player’s departure, though he remained tight-lipped regarding the specific circumstances.
“The player was released on basis of a transfer. That is what I know in as far as his matter is concerned,” Dlamini said.
Head Coach Mthunzi Ginindza offered a similarly guarded response: “I am currently in camp with the national team Under-20s in Mozambique.”
The crowd favourite arrived at Green Mamba from Moneni Pirates last season, playing a key role in driving the club to two cup finals (8Bet Trade Fair and Ingwenyama Cup). The midfielder is a product of Young Buffaloes’ youth setup and has also enjoyed a stint with Mbabane Highlanders AM.
The Correctional Services side have already parted ways with Mbutfo ‘Ngulube’ Dlamini (now with Ubombo Sugar), defender Sebanele Dlamini, Mlungisi ‘50’ Mamba, Khethokuhle Mkhontfo, newly-signed Inkunz’emnyama striker Bhekani Mthembu and midfielder Mbongeni ‘Mshishi’ Magagula, who has signed for Nsingizini Hotspurs.
On a positive note for the club, seasoned striker Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa has returned to action following a month-long spell on the sidelines.
With the Eswatini first registration window open until October 2, Matsenjwa still has ample time to secure a move to a new club.
In an almost related incident in South Africa, Betway Premiership and Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs confirmed they have terminated Thabo Cele’s contract by mutual agreement, following constructive discussions between both parties.
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