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MBABANE – Mbabane Swallows have cleared the air on attacking midfielder Felix ‘Fela’ Badenhorst’s decision to delay his substitution.
This happened during an MTN Premier League match between Swallows and Green Mamba, which was played at Somhlolo National Stadium on Sunday. The former won the game by 2-0, courtesy of goals by striker Bashir Mutanda and Badenhorst.
The former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) top side AS Vita lanky forward sustained an injury which forced the technical bench, led by Musa Manyatsi, to take him off, but the player refused to be substituted.
MDisobeyed
Umkhonto KaShaka General Manager (GM) Sandile ‘Beyond 2000’ Zwane refuted that the erstwhile, now defunct Mbombela United skipper disobeyed the coaches by refusing to be taken off the pitch.
Speaking on national radio, the Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS 1) Sports Show hosted by Nathi ‘Mdockies’ Hlophe yesterday morning, the GM said the player communicated with the technical bench and asked to be given few minutes before being substituted.
“We feel like it’s important that we explain this to the supporters, as it happened in their full view. Felix sustained an injury towards halftime, as his elbow twisted and our doctors assessed the injury at halftime.” Zwane said.
He was administered with strong medication for him to continue playing,
BABANE – FIFA-accredited referee Thulani Sibandze has taken an initiative to buy himself a communication system kit to enhance his career.
The referee started using this kit during the MoMo Cup play-offs at Mavuso Sports Centre. The Sports Desk noted the referee and his assistant using these gadgets which are reportedly worth over E10 000. According to sources within refereeing, the committed referee decided to buy these gadgets to enhance his career.
The source further asserted that the referee used to get international assignment, so sometimes they needed a referee to provide himself with this gadget.
“The referee felt instead of borrowing these gadgets whenever he went for an international assignment, he felt he should invest in this gadget. What is good is that he is using the communication but the technical bench noted that he was struggling.
“He requested not to be substituted and after he scored we then decided to take him out to avoid further damage,” he said.
The former Sihlangu manager stressed that the player did not refused to be taken off, but due to the level of commitment he had for the team, he requested to be given 10 more minutes.
He further said in his 30 years in football, he had not seen a bunch of committed players like that from Swallows.
Extent
Sought for his expert opinion, newly-elected Hhohho Regional Football Association (HRFA) Chairman Doctor Comfort Shongwe said there was no problem for the player requesting to continue playing, but it all depended on the extent of the injury.
“These injuries are graded and assessed by the doctors and if they feel it’s a minor one, they may allow the player to continue with play, but the right person to comment is the team doctor,” the former Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Vice President said.
On the hand, Mbabane Swallows team doctor Samkeliso Mdluli said the player sustained a minor knock and they were concerned as he showed signs of pain.
“It wasn’t a bad injury; we were just considering safety measures for the player and after we examined him, we found that he was okay,” Mdluli said.
He also said that the player’s condition was stable as it was just a minor knock which was assessed and examined after the game. gadget during the local games,” narrated the source.
Reached for comment, Sibandze said it was all about passion.
“These gadgets limit areas as you go about your job. If one can afford to buy these gadgets they should, they are very handy. It does not develop you but also develop football,” said Sibandze.
Meanwhile, Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi Radebe said this was commendable.
Develop
“As EFA we advocate for referees or any other football stakeholder to develop themselves. This is an individual commitment and it plays a role in development of the game. This is a good investment not only for his career but football at large,” said Radebe.
He said it was something good to see others lead by example.
When asked if they were helping in any way to meet referees halfway, he said; “As an association, development is wide, it is not only about assisting referees with gadgets but the workshops, courses and providing uniform for our local referees is also development.”
Meanwhile, Eswatini Referees Association (ERA) Chairman Jabulani Motsa also commended Sibadze.
“This is good for him as he is a FIFA accredited referee. It enhance his job and also improve standard here at home and outside,” said Motsa.
Appealed
He also appealed to companies to assist them to buy these gadgets.
“These gadgets do not come cheap. We once had some which were donated to us but had faults. We are still fixing them although I should say it is expensive to fix these gadgets,” he said.
Notably, referees were given E30 000 worth of the communicating systems in 2017, as a donation from Italy. However, the gadgets reportedly developed mechanical faults due to maintenance challenges.