Security concerns for ‘Birds’
MBABANE – It seems Denver Sundowns have opened a can of worms through their kit mix-up this past weekend.
Denver donned South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns’ yellow kit with their logo and the Puma brand, while the blue shorts were that of the local side. This was during the second semifinals of the MoMo Cup play-offs at Mavuso Sports Centre where they lost 1-2 to Manzini Sea Birds this past Sunday.
Notably, in the MoMo Cup, at least E100 000 is provided for the seven teams in the tournament to purchase new playing kits.
According to Article 9, each team shall be issued with a set of jerseys in its registered colours to use in the tournament.
The two clubs that qualify for the finals shall be provided with two contrasting sets of jerseys on the day of the competition to use in the finals.
Each team is budgeted around E15 000 for the playing kit excluding branding, but the team had to bring their own kit and Denver Sundowns opted for their gift from South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.
MUproar
This move has since sparked a public uproar in the country’s football fraternity, with South Africa’s media also showing interest in the matter.
The seven teams in the MoMo Cup before last weekend’s play-offs were Denver Sundowns, Manzini Wanderers, Manzini Sea Birds, Mbabane Highlanders, Moneni Pirates, Rangers and Nsingizini Hotspurs.
BABANE – Mbabane Swallows have sent out a stern warning to its fans ahead of tonight’s MTN Premier League tricky fixture billed for Somhlolo National Stadium.
Swallows host Manzini Sea Birds and they are in a quest to get their first win this season after recording two straight draws.
Sea Birds have been a hard nut for ‘Birds’ to crack.
The former have so far recorded a single draw against Royal Leopard and thrashed Tambuti 4-2.
Insults
Swallows General Manager (GM) Sandile ‘Beyond 2 000’ Zwane said there was a clique of fans who hauled insults at the team after games.
“We plead with the fans to stop insulting us after games. They insult the management, the coaches and the
The club Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Elvis Dube, conceded the error and apologised as he explained that the kit was a gift and they were supposed to cover the Mamelodi Sundowns logo.
Clarify
“The club wishes to clarify that Denver Sundowns and Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club are two different teams regardless of using the same colours; therefore our team was supposed to ensure that their logo is covered and not visible during the game,” he said.
Denver Sundowns Chairman is Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chairman Mark Carmichael, who is also the Vice President at the Eswatini players and further threaten them. We have spoken with the police at Lobamba so as to reinforce our security tomorrow (today) as we are playing at night,” said Zwane
According to the GM, there have been incidents of the team officials being blocked at the stadiums with one incident reported to have occurred at Mavuso Sports Centre when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Denver Sundowns.
discourage
“We discourage this ill-mannered behaviour. Fans must use proper channels put up in place to raise concerns such as their respective branches. This behaviour puts the players under unnecessary pressure when they have to play the next match and this is bad for the Mbabane Swallows’ brand and its sponsors,” stressed the GM.
Zwane then reminded the fans of the team’s aim of being top table finishers after the league marathon despite the sluggish start.
Football Association (EFA). Due to their almost similar styles and colours, they had forged some relationships in the past.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ Communications Manager Mashupje ‘Shupi’ Nkgadima could not answer a questionnaire sent to him yesterday through WhatsApp.
Addressed
The message appeared to have been read (blue ticks) but was not replied to. PLE CEO, Kenneth Makhanya, who is also former Mamelodi Sundowns CEO, said the PLE Executive Committee (Ex-Co) met over the issue and it would now be addressed by the tournament’s Management
Committee (MC).
“The Ex-Co has discussed the matter and resolved that the MC addresses this and all the other issues of concern,” he said.
Frowned
Meanwhile, the incident is frowned upon by Article 15 of the tournament’s rules and regulations and offenders can face up to E25 000 in fines. Article 15.4 of the rules say an incident that brings the tournament, sponsor, PLE or EFA into disrepute attracts a fine of not less than E25 000 on top a minimum three-month suspension from football activities.