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BHUNYA – The stadium’s long-awaited return descended into farce as poor markings and disorder marred Sunday’s match.
What was expected to be a triumphant homecoming quickly descended into embarrassment when images of crooked pitch markings surfaced on social media, just minutes before kick-off. The game, which saw Viva Stumbo XI host neighbours Mankayane United in the MulaSport National First Division, ended in a goalless draw, but the real talking point was the shocking state of the pitch and surrounding facilities.
Spectators were stunned to see touchlines painted unevenly, while the surface itself appeared rough, dusty and poorly maintained. Each tackle sent clouds of dust billowing into the air, making it abundantly clear that the grass coverage was inadequate for professional football. For a stadium that had been eagerly anticipated after years of inactivity, the condition of the playing surface was nothing short of disappointing.
To add to the farce, despite an attendance of over 500 fans, a considerable number opted to watch the game from outside the venue rather than pay the E20 gate fee. The stadium’s low-lying location allows people to peer easily over its perimeter fencing and some enterprising supporters even climbed nearby trees to gain a better view of the action. Their enthusiasm was commendable, but the sight of spectators watching from the hills and treetops painted a rather unflattering picture of the match-day organisation.
Premier League of Eswatini Chief Executive Officer(CEO) Pat Vilakati addressed the issue on national radio, conceding that while the overall weekend fixtures in the National First Division had gone smoothly, the situation at Bhunya Stadium required immediate attention. He noted that as much as the league appreciates fan passion, it is essential that supporters watch matches from inside the venue for safety reasons and to help sustain the clubs financially.
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Up in the branches: Supporters turned trees into grandstands during the course of the match. (Pic: Sanele Jele)