MBABANE – The ESSA Pigg’s Peak Branch is reportedly rocked by cheating allegations in the ongoing ball games.
A source close to the matter alleged that Ntfonjeni High School, located in northern Hhohho, has been using top division league players during their ball games. However, they have since been cleared of any wrongdoing. The source alleged that the school, coached by MTN Premier League side Malanti Chiefs assistant Coach Bongumusa ‘Giggs’ Mdluli, is tipped as favourites to be crowned champions of the branch.
“The situation is so intense that a game between Ntfonjeni High and Magobodvo High was recently cancelled. This was due to the fact that Magobodvo alleged that they could not play against a school that is using Premier League players,” the source alleged.
The source further alleged that the matter was reported to the Eswatini Schools Sports Association (ESSA) Pigg’s Peak Branch, which in turn took it to the ESSA executive committee led by President Zakhele Myeni for investigation.
However, President Myeni confirmed that while there had been an uproar regarding cheating in the Pigg’s Peak branch, their investigations had completely cleared Ntfonjeni High School of the allegations.
“We did visit Ntfonjeni High on Wednesday. The delegation included the president, national treasurer, Inspector Bongani Siyaya, the Pigg’s Peak vice chairperson and the Pigg’s Peak deputy secretary. We were well received by the head teacher Khumalo, his deputy and the soccer team coach and teacher Mdluli,” Myeni said.
Myeni said, among other things, they introduced themselves, stated their purpose of visit and requested to see the admission book, class registers, learners’ written work, school reports and the learners themselves.
“We also called their parents. All evidence proved that the learners are legitimate and properly registered,” Myeni said.
He also said in light of their findings, the Branch Executive Committee (BEC) has been instructed to report back to the membership and reschedule the match against Magobodvo High as soon as possible, with today targeted for the fixture.
We thanked the school for their cooperation and patience while this matter was being probed. We also asked them to provide counselling to the affected learners, as this issue has taken a toll on their psychological and social well-being,” Myeni added, noting that he is still due to hold a session with the branch executive.
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Pupils battling for the ball during schools ball games. This does not mean that the schools in the picture are involved in the allegations. (Pic: Eswatini Soccer Mag)