Football

(At Caritas Hall)

MANZINI – Just months before heading to the polls, the Manzini Football Association (FA) Executive Committee has once again put its deep divisions on public display.

The ongoing friction forced Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane to intervene, calling for calm within the Manzini Regional Football Association (MRFA). Speaking two days ago during the Manzini Super League 2024/25 season presentation, Simelane warned that any member found to be disrespectful towards their superiors would face disciplinary action.

The president’s intervention followed a minor disturbance during the event, where an executive member raised his hand while Chairman Vusie ‘Mavura’ Hall was delivering his remarks. The member was perceived to be attempting to dispute Hall’s address, prompting Simelane to step in and demand respect in his presence.

“As the EFA, we ask for respect for the president if we are present during presentations,” Simelane said. “There is always an agenda during ceremonies, and we ask everyone to follow that order. If anyone wants to voice their concerns, they should address them with the executive. It is not done in this manner.

“Even last year, it is said the AGM was not completed due to a similar incident. During an AGM, the chairman is in charge as per the agenda and can then decide whether to give someone else a chance. We thought people would learn, otherwise steps would have been taken. If it were another president, they surely would have been.”

Simelane further revealed that an executive member had gone so far as to call the EFA offices to question why the governing body was lending money to the Manzini FA to support its teams.

“He called the EFA offices and asked why we are offering help. This is wrong, as he is part of this executive and should act as such. He should ensure that all work undertaken benefits the teams; that is all I can say,” Simelane shared.

“This forum must be respected. If there are issues within the executive committee, teams should not be affected. This must not happen in future, because the EFA will take a stand, and it will look as though we hate certain individuals.”

The EFA president concluded with a strong call for unity: “It is my duty as president to observe whether proper procedure is followed during events. It is vital for teams and the executive to work together for the greater good of football.”

Impeccable sources have revealed that two MRFA executive members have only attended two league presentations. This were the Manzini and the recent Super League events and continued to absent themselves from regular meetings.

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(L-R) EFA President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane and MRFA Chairman Vusie ‘Mavura’ Hall at Caritas two days ago. (Pic: Ntombikayise Gwebu)