Mayhem, drama, surprises
MBABANE – It was a weekend full of drama and surprises in the MTN Premier League Week 7 games played across the country on Sunday.
The focal point was at Mavuso Sports Centre where capital city giants Mbabane Highlanders and Mbabane Swallows were playing. A skirmish occurred as Highlanders supporters bayed for referee Mbongeni Victor Shongwe’s blood.
Here are some of the things we noted in the games:
DARING FANS CHALLENGE POLICE
Back then people used to be afraid of the police or guns. What was witnessed at Mavuso Sports Centre on Sunday was unheard of. Even warning shots could not stop angry Mbabane Highlanders fans from pursuing senior referee Mbongeni Shongwe. It started when they invaded the pitch; there were a number of police officers on duty but they were overpowered by the supporters as they (supporters) invaded the pitch. Even when referee Shongwe was inside the police vehicle, they still wanted him out so they could ‘deal with him’.
BLACK PANTHER CELEBRATION
Did you see when Mbabane Swallows celebrated their first goal against Tambankulu Callies? That was an interesting celebration which got football lovers watching in admiration.The goalscorer, Xolani ‘Papi’ Sikhondze, raced towards the Swallows stand before kneeling down and started moving and imitating a bird flying. Another interesting celebration was that of Nhlanhla Ngwenya, who scored the fourth goal. He did the Black Panther Wakanda Forever sign.
STHAWULA’S UNIQUE OUTFIT
Arguably a number one fan, Sthawula Tsela for once dumped his usual Mbabane Swallows kit outfit for a unique one. What was unique about this outfit was that he had used a weird necklace which had a bird hanging from it. It is amazing how these super fans can be creative when it comes to their outfits.
SIDUMO ‘SNUBS’ ‘WESLIANS’
Has Manzini Wanderers’ poor performance led to some of their supporters giving them a cold shoulder? On Sunday, their super fan Sidumo Ngwenya was spotted at Mavuso Sports Centre while his team was playing at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium in Nhlangano. Wanderers lost 2-0 to Royal Leopard.
FEMALE FANS ATTACK MAN
It was a sorry sight as women overpowered a man who was seen sprawled on the turf during the skirmish at Mavuso. This was after the Mbabane Highlanders versus Manzini Sea Birds clash.
NO PARAMEDICS IN NHLANGANO
The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) together with the teams
Mbabane Swallows players celebrating their first goal. should do something about the issue vehicles as there were no emergency of paramedics. It was disturbing to see vehicles in the venue. Souls will be injured players being attended to by lost if this pressing issue is not solved teams’ officials and taken to private by the parties involved.
WANDERERS CHANGE SOCKS
MTN Premier League table proppers Manzini Wanderers had to change their white socks as they clashed with those of Royal Leopard. The game was delayed as they were organising the socks and they returned wearing blue socks. This is not good for our football as teams should bring with them two sets of playing kits to avoid such. It’s an embarrassment to our football.
MLABA NOW A DEFENDER
Former Mbabane Highlanders and Sihlangu midfield maestro Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule was deployed as a centre back in their game against Royal Leopard on Sunday at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium. ‘Mlaba’ did not disappoint as he fitted like a glove in his new position.
COACH OF THE WEEK:
Musa Manyatsi-Mbabane Swallows
At first football lovers did not believe Musa Manyatsi was the right head coach for Swallows. Seemingly, they make a ‘deadly’ combination with assistant Siyabonga Bhembe.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Bashiri Mutanda Mbabane Swallows scored a great deal by signing this player who makes his presence felt and is always ready to deliver in each game he plays. The on-form striker is a team player and keeps giving defenders a torrid time.
TEAM OF THE WEEK
1. Sandanezwe Mathabela - Swallows
2. Sifiso Mabila - M.Swallows
3. Kwakhe Thwala - Y.Buffaloes
4. Mlamuli Nkambule - M. Wanderers
5. Thami Zulu - R.Leopard
6. Mohammed Kabia - M.Swallows
7. Bongiswa Dlamini - Young Buffaloes
8. Felix Badenhorst - M.Swallows
9. Sandile Gamedze - Y.Buffaloes
10. Nhlanhla Ngwenya - M.Swallows
11. Muzi Tsabedze - Sea Birds