Catch big fish, win over E100k
MBABANE – Seasoned referee Mbongeni Shongwe and assistant Phinda Ndzimandze have retired from the profession.
The two ‘men in black’ confirmed the latest developments.
The two are said to have announced their retirement after the last games of the season. Shongwe’s last MTN Premier League game was between Nsingizini Hotspurs and Tambuti. Ndzimandze’s last game was a fixture between Mbabane Swallows and Manzini Sea Birds.
Both officials started their refereeing career in 2000.
Shongwe said it was time to give other referees a chance to shine.
“The reason I retired is that I want to groom young referees as I am passionate about refereeing,” said Shongwe. When asked to share words of wisdom with upcoming referees he said: “They should keep updating themselves with the laws of the games, respect the profession and train harder.”
Meanwhile, Ndzimandze said his time was up in refereeing.
“I have done my part and it’s time to give fresh blood a chance.
“We have served the country and it’s time to call it a day in refereeing.
“However, we will continue to
MChance BABANE – The Eswatini Angling Association (EAA) is presenting a rare opportunity to anglers.
They stand a chance to win big during the Sand River Dam Bucket List Challenge. The bucket list challenge competitors will cast their fishing lines on July 15 and 16, where there are a maximum number of 20 boats allowed on the dam, while only four people will be allowed on each boat. Registration fee is E1 500 per angler.
Worth mentioning is that the challenge will have cash prizes from first to fifth. The biggest bass will net E15 000.
Bass is a name shared by many species of fish. The term encompasses both freshwater and marine species, all belonging to perch-like fish.
There is also a whopping E100 000 incentive for a record bass weighing six kilogrammes.
Biggest
If an angler is able to pull out a bass weighing six kilogrammes or above, while also having the biggest fish of the day, they will be able to walk away with a cash prize of E115 000. The share our expertise and experience with the young referees,” said Ndzimandze.
Shongwe and Ndzimandze were known for handling big games which include the Mbabane Derby, among top fixtures.
They both retire after 23 years into refereeing. other prizes entail the likes of accommodation vouchers, among others.
“All interested parties should know that accommodation is available and should not hesitate to make their bookings on time,” reads the invitation in part.
Meanwhile, Sand River Dam is situated in the Lubombo District within the IYSIS cattle ranch, which is privately owned by Royal Eswatini Sugar (RES) Corporation. The reservoir is a major magnet for water birds, particularly when water levels are low.
Costly
The EAA is currently fundraising for the upcoming international tournaments, which tend to be costly in affiliations as well as accommodation.
The EAA, as part of the fundraising campaign, will have anglers heading to South Africa in August, while five will be preparing for the World Championships in October, where the host nation will be Portugal.
All fishermen are made aware that the bucket list challenge only permits artificial lures (baits). You will not be allowed to take part in the challenge with live lures. Fishermen will also get an opportunity to cast their rods at Maguga Dam, situated in the Hhohho
Interestingly, Shongwe had a not so good 2022/23 season as he was attacked by angry Mbabane Highlanders fans on November 27, last year.
Irate
This was during a game between Highlanders and Manzini Sea Birds where the irate fans were livid by
Region between Pigg’s Peak and Mbabane, where there is E100 000 up for grabs for bass weighing over five
Shongwe’s decision.
The experienced referee awarded Sea Birds a goal, which was scored by Sandumuzi Zwane with a ‘Hand of God.’ Clips circulating online proved that indeed the goal was scored with the assistance of a hand.
Scored
The player, in an interview with the
Sports Desk, also admitted that he scored via a hand.
The clip which shows the referee running for dear life has since attracted over three million views from South Africa online publication, Far Post.
Meanwhile, while there is no retirement age, FIFA reserves the right to require referees over the age of 45 to undergo additional technical assessments as well as specific medical examinations and fitness testing on a case-by-case basis.
Phinda Ndzimandze has also retired from refereeing. kilogrammes. Further enquiries on the tournament can be made on 7602 0590/7665 6123.
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