Relegation could be the demise of Wanderers - Diana
YOU certainly were looking forward to this Sunday as always to catch a glimpse of your lovely read, the Eswatini Sunday feature, The Chat Hub by seasoned sportswriter Chris Dlamini.
Today, we talk to relegation-troubled Manzini Wanderers’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Diana Girlie Johnson.
She is one woman of steel as she has braved tough times serving the maroon and white Weslians, as Wanderers are also fondly known. Hardly has she been in office without the club going through financial challenges that would see them flirt with relegation in recent seasons, including the last and current seasons. Is her team up to the relegation-surviving task? She speaks out about the situation and how she has personally stood strong over the years for this team. Read on...
ES: Who is Diana Girlie Johnson? Describe yourself briefly.
Diana:
I am a down-to-earth woman who is persistent, passionate and dedicated. I’m also a resilient woman who is not afraid to face challenges.
ES: What is your everyday thought about the challenges faced by your club, especially relegation, which appears more realistic than ever this time around?
Diana:
I cannot hide the fact that my team is faced with the biggest challenge, but at the same time, remember I said I’m one resilient woman who can face a challenge. It’s not over yet. Me and my team are working hard to save the people’s team.
ES: What is the master plan to get out of relegation as you also have tough fixtures to play? Do you see a successful fight like we saw last season when coach Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe was roped in to ensure it happened?
Diana:
We haven’t given up yet as a team. What makes me bolder is the fact that even the players this time around have a fighting spirit. We are more focused than ever before. Together, we can do this. I promise you.
ES: Would you agree that money is the root of the situation Wanderers are in? How can this be resolved?
Diana:
Definitely, our financial crisis led us to this situation. There is nothing you can do without money. Manzini Wanderers is too big. You cannot run the team with only gate takings because, at times, you get even less than E2 000. The solution is easy. We need to change our mindset as Wanderers people. But I think sijwayele kutsi (that we have a director yet we are all directors of the team. Having said all this, I think our Directors should work out their issue of Form-j. I will just end there and not elaborate on that.
ES: If relegation happens, where do you see Wanderers in terms of managing a quick return? Do you think it would be easy in the First Division if the current problems are not addressed, or could it mean the death of what was once a great club?
Diana:
This can be the dearth of Manzini Wanderers I’m sorry to say. The problem here is that there are too many Wanderers people who claim to be Wanderers people, yet they are destroying the club. So long as we have such people, the team is going down. There is too much negative interference in the team. There is too much interference by people who cannot even help financially.
ES: Now, tell us, how have you and your Management Committee (MC) succeeded in running the club without any director or directors pumping in money? Who is paying salaries?
Diana:
Sad and very painful question to be answered. I said before that the players I have this time around ngiyababongakakhulukakhulu basibambisilekakhulu (I am so thankful they’ve worked with us). Also, I am thanking the supporters and MC who were doing a tremendous job in making sure things look a bit normal. But the straight answer honestly says I do not know, but we were in a very hard way. I’ve been in the MC for the longest time, but this time was the hardest of them all.
ES: We have seen media reports several times now that the players sometimes get to share E15,000 cash incentives to keep them going. Where is this money coming from? Is it from individuals’ pockets?
Diana:
Yes, it is from individuals’ pockets. We do have Wanderer’s people at heart who love the team but as I mentioned earlier, we all have too many individuals who are close to the team with their negative motives or agendas which makes the people who have money distance themselves from the club.
ES: Despite all the struggles, Wanderers remain one of the bestdressed teams in the topflight. Who is behind your kits?
Diana:
A kit is about the design I’m happy I’m one of those who choose, then ask the manufacturer to make that as it what we want. It’s a pity we are financially crippled. We would be doing more and better for the team. All the club needs is brilliant people to be around because you may still have the money but be unable to spend it where necessary. You just need smart people next to you to work things out.
ES: So, how much of a challenge is it for you to be a Wanderers Chief Executive Officer (CEO) under such trying times?
Diana:
Very hard, very hard leading men in a men’s game. So many people call you names. Some hate that I’m female and leading men. They wonder how. And some hate that I can make things happen under the circumstances. I remember someone I won’t mention saying I should come back to the office because the team will be relegated. I asked how I was going to save the team, and I asked why it is always that I’m called when the team does not have money. Chris, all I can say is that leaders are born not made.
ES: The team has tough fixtures to play in its bid to survive the axe. Do you think survival is possible?
Diana:
It is possible, and we are working hard to save the team.
ES: There is talk of a 16-team league next season. What is your take? Should the team hope that passes or carry on fighting in the few remaining games to be assured safety?
Diana:
Honestly, I am focusing on my team to be not in the bottom three.
Be it 16 teams or not, that’s not my baby. All I know is that my team doesn’t deserve to be where it is now. My team is a top eight material.
ES: Tell us about the worst moment in your history with Wanderers as it’s official.
Diana:
When they wanted me out of the office, and this was by a group of supporters. I don’t mind them not wanting me, but the main problem was the reason behind it.
Telling people that I abused club funds, the question is, where is the money they say I chow? Manzini Wanderers does not have money. I’m having a hard time in the team because the people who talk behind my back include some officials I work with.
And the very same people come to me and say so and so doesn’t want you. But all in all, I’m not doubting my capabilities as Manzini Wanderers CEO. I was given a task in the team, and I’m doing exactly that. So, some people feel that pinch because they are no longer able to do as they please in the team as I’m managing it.
ES: What has been your highlight so far, having been through thick and thin with Wanderers from years ago?
Diana:
Being called when there are tough situations in the team is my main highlight. But I can’t lie. I still owe this brand, just to get silverware under my leadership.
ES: Would you say how much you have sacrificed financially to make ends meet for your club?
Diana:
All I can say is that I am very much disappointed by these people who, on a daily basis, accuse me of money when I sacrifice so much for the team.
Having said this, let me not disclose anything but only say we all work together to see the team progress.
ES: If you were to change anything for the betterment of sports in the country, what would it be, especially given the meagre national budget allocation of around E19m? You must be aware that E19 million is one Olympic athlete’s budget in some countries where sport is taken as an economic factor.
Diana:
First of all, a lot needs to be changed, but also using the sports equipment management system can help a lot. We also need to use what we have as a country. Start where you are not where you think you should be. Develop a growth mindset. Seek expert advice. Those in charge should be able to involve goal setting resource allocation, decisionmaking, and improvement assessment within sports organisations also important.
Set a clear vision of goals and also build a strong team culture.
ES: You are definitely a passionate Wanderers person who they are lucky to have. Otherwise, thanks for your time and good luck.
DIANA IN BRIEF:
- She is the longest-serving MC official at Wanderers.
- Johnson has been called names but never at any point turned her back on her struggling team.
ngiyababongakakhulu kakhulubasibambisile kakhulu (I am so thankful they’ve worked with us)
- She is now serving as the CEO of the club.
- She has served in the harshest circumstances when called upon to come in.
. the players I have this time around