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BABANE Highlanders unfortunately have an egg splashed on their face after failing to tighten their grip on their then prized asset in Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa.
After a tug-of-war over the player’s signature in recent weeks, Green Mamba had the last laugh after convincing the player to come on board in a matter of hours.
It is undoubtedly the biggest catch for the green and white ensemble. It is just what the doctor ordered for Ernest Mavuso’s men’s revival bid, after finishing on an unrespectable ninth spot on the charts in the past season.
Statement
The two-time league winners have made a strong statement about their intention to leave a mark in the upcoming season.
However, ‘Sikhali’ alone cannot steer the team to greater heights. They still need an overhaul and to bring on board more quality to blend the squad, as most players in the team are nearing their ‘sell by date’.
THERE has been so much drama on the administrative side of football this past week.
The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) also had its general assembly, but it would be pointless to waste ink on the unnecessary drama of locking journalists out of the meeting.
Having journalists inside these meetings is not favour.
The reason for the media to have access to these gatherings is to hold the PLE office to account for the public funds.
Yes, gate takings are public funds. All that can be said for now is for the PLE to review the media ‘freeze’ decision, because dishing out the reports is not enough. The engagements during the meeting also needs
For ‘Sikhali’, it is the dawn of a new era, as he will play for a team outside the ‘Big Three’ for the first time since he shot to stardom back in 2012.
Some of Highlanders’ faithful fans may feel betrayed about the departure, but it should be the least of the Sihlangu’s marksman concerns.
Task
He should focus on the task at hand. Highlanders had all the time to convince the player to remain on board, but they kept dilly-dallying until he was snatched under their nose.
Rescuing the player from the wilderness when he was banned in South Africa over two years ago did not mean the player would stick with the black and white ensemble forever. to be captured.
Meanwhile, the decision by some teams that are affiliates of Hhohho Regional Football Association (HRFA) to elect an interim committee while the incumbent is in office leaves much to be desired.
Forced
HRFA is an affiliate of Eswatini Football Association (EFA) and like all the regional football bodies, they have been forced to belatedly start their leagues. The disruption in the football calendar following the advent of COVID-19 warranted the unwanted developments. At this time of the season, some of the leagues, more especially in Manzini, are yet to conclude their 2021/22 season. Hhohho concluded their flagship tournament, which is the Super League, just over
The biggest mistake Highlanders made was the failure to ensure that ‘Sikhali’ got a contract extension before the end of the past season.
Allowing the player to run out of contract was tantamount to setting themselves up for failure, because they were not only bound to have competition from fellow ‘big guns’ but also came the issue of an increased demand.
Interest
With so much interest and signingon-fees hitting the E150 000 mark, it meant Highlanders needed to table a better offer to keep the gifted forward on board.
It is a tough lesson for Highlanders, but they should now close the ‘Sikhali’ chapter and look to build a formidable