Big 3 can’t host in open grounds – PLE
MBABANE – There is confusion regarding the hosting of games in open grounds by the ‘Big 3’ of Mbabane Swallows, Manzini Wanderers and Mbabane Highlanders.
This came after the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) denied Mbabane Swallows’ request to use the Prince of Wales Sports Ground, as their alternative home ground since both the Somhlolo National Stadium and Mavuso Sports Centre were out of bounds. The Somhlolo National Stadium which is currently being refurbished and last hosted the 2022 MoMo Cup finals in October last year. Mavuso is experiencing electrical challenges as the main cable supplying electricity into the venue is being replaced.
Speaking on national radio, the Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS 1) Sports Show, which was hosted by Siphesihle ‘Sihlabani’ Nxumalo, on Friday, Mbabane Swallows General Manager (GM) Sandile ‘Beyond 2000’ Zwane revealed that the PLE denied their request to use the Prince of Wales Sports Ground for home games. He said the club wrote to the PLE requesting to play at the Prince of Wales, but their request was denied.
“They said it was a risk for Mbabane Swallows to play in an open ground and I don’t understand the reason behind this, as we have played in open grounds such as Mayaluka and many more,” Zwane said.
Notably, Manzini Wanderers hosted at Prince of Wales Ground of late.
He went on to say that the PLE said there was a rule that stipulated that the big three teams were not allowed to play at the Prince of Wales, but wondered as to why, when they got the permit to use the venue.
He also said the PLE should consider the team’s opponents’ capacity of supporters before declining the request.
“A home game is where you get an advantage to prepare well as you are competing and declining me the right you are killing me in the competition,” he said.
Zwane said last season they played in Nhlangano at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium and last week they were there and even this week, which was a drain from their pockets as well as those of the supporters.
He further shed light to the issue of Swallows training at Malkerns Club, where another elite league side, Manzini Wanderers are setting up camp. He said in as much as they booked to use the facility, they respected that Wanderers used the facility too.
“We requested to use the facility in the morning as Wanderers use it in the afternoon. We are having a challenge at our training ground at Ezulwini as it is waterlogged due to the rains,” the former national team Sihlangu manager said.
Lastly, he said they also used the Mhlambanyatsi Sports Ground for training; however it was currently out of bounds for them.