EFA President ‘Samora’ ‘silences’ vice presidents

Also part of the accusations is that Simelane goes on trips without the two’s knowledge and leaves the organisation without either of them acting, yet the statutes of the organisation state clearly that in his absence, his longest serving vice must act as president.

They allege this has never happened since assuming office over a couple of years ago. Upon learning that Simelane allegedly did not bother looking into their letter of demand through an EFA Executive Committee, another letter of demand was reportedly written by the vice presidents giving Simelane 48 hours to respond to their concerns or they would take the matter elsewhere for redress.

Arguments

Simelane ran to court, where he is represented by Dumezweni Kunene from I.M Motsa Attorneys in the matter, and is expected back in court next Wednesday for arguments and final order. Shongwe and Horton were to file their responding papers.

Simelane’s court order temporary stops the two from writing letters with derogatory words under the pretext that they were addressing football matters with Simelane in his personal capacity.

They were also interdicted from engaging in private meetings in his name yet there were professional structures for such meetings. This is also to maintain peace with him, among other things.

“What is also of great concern is that in your absence there is no vice president that has been made to act as a president and this is despite the fact that your absence called for someone to act as a president in line with the provision of the statutes. To note is that even in your absence, you remotely execute your duties as the president yet an acting president should be allowed to take over,” read part of the first letter written by Shongwe and Horton, raising what they believed was malpractice within the president’s office.

Actions

They called him to order and said his actions and duties remained accountable to the EFA Executive Committee as he is also expected to be guided by its resolutions as he does his job.

Notable is that the duo wrote an eight-page letter last month and noted some concerns of malpractices taking place within the EFA, in particular in the president’s office.

Some of the allegations will not be repeated here as further investigations are underway. Meanwhile, Horton said he was aware of the interdict and court papers against them but he was yet to see them.

Matters

He said personally his understanding was that football matters were not for the courts. Shongwe was not immediately available for comment.

Meanwhile, the most recent incident of local football being dragged into court was at the start of the current season. Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) was hauled before the High Court over relegation by MTN National First Division (NFD) League teams Rangers and Milling Hot Spurs but the latter lost. It must be mentioned also that Simelane is closely attached to Manzini Sea Birds in the elite league.