Birds, Nsingizini players, officials implicated in chaotic clash
MBABANE - They are in a hot soup. This is the story of the capital city’s giants, Mbabane Swallows and Shiselweni-based outfit, Nsingizini Hotspurs, whose players and officials have been implicated in the chaotic clash that occurred during their MTN Premier League match last month at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium.
Both teams have reportedly drawn the attention of the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Disciplinary Committee (DC) due to unsporting behaviour exhibited during the game, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
According to a report obtained from a reliable source, the account provided by FIFA-accredited referee Thulani ‘Goje’ Sibandze indicates that the chaotic clash was instigated by players Wenzile Lushaba of Nsingizini and Kwakhe Thwala of Swallows.
Head-butt
Both players were red-carded for violent conduct, reportedly involving a head-butt following a foul committed against Kwakhe.
The report further states that after this initial incident, team officials, players, substitutes and substituted players from both teams rushed onto the field and became involved in the altercation.
Additionally, spectators and marshals from both sides left their stands to join the fray, further escalating the situation.
Nsingizini Hotspurs player Ncamiso Thwala, who was wearing the team’s green tracksuit and was not on the team list, was also observed participating in the fight.
The report highlights Swallows marshal Sithembiso ‘Sitherere’ Nxumalo, who was wearing a tag on the day, as another individual who engaged in the brawl.
Throwing
The Shiselweni-based side’s spectators were reportedly throwing various missiles in an attempt to attack Swallows officials, marshals, and supporters who were fighting with their own team officials, marshals, and supporters.
Another report obtained from the same source revealed that the match commissioner on the day, Nyonyane Thulani Dennis, implicated three Nsingizini players in the chaotic clash.
These players included Njabulo Simelane, who was allegedly shoving and pushing, as well as exchanging harsh words with a Mbabane Swallows player.
Additionally, strikers Nyasha Chintuli and Mayibongwe Mabuza were reportedly throwing punches randomly at Swallows team officials, players, substitutes and substituted players.
The report also mentions defender Ncamiso Thwala, who reportedly threw punches directed at Swallows FC players and was swiftly removed by referee Thulani Sibandze.
On the Swallows side, the implicated individuals included physical trainer Siza Dlamini, Team Manager Clement Dlamini, and players Sizolwethu Shabalala and Bongiswa Dlamini.
They were all allegedly involved in throwing punches, shoving and pushing Nsingizini team officials, players, substitutes and substituted players. Clement Dlamini was also reported to be hurling insults directed at the opposition officials.
PLE Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Makhanya confirmed that charges have been filed against Mbabane Swallows and Nsingizini Hotspurs following the chaotic clash between the two teams during their MTN Premier League match.
Details
While Makhanya did not reveal specific details on the charges, he assured the public that appropriate action would be taken to address the incident.
Meanwhile, National Referees Committee Chairperson Sipho Kunene confirmed that the reports were sent to the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) and stated that the information contained in the reports was based on the observations of the match official and the match commissioner present at the game.
He emphasised that the reports were an accurate representation of the events that transpired on the day of the match, as witnessed by the officiating team.