Chairman of the Referees Association Mbongiseni Fakudze has called on the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) to urgently strengthen security at local matches following violent scenes that marred the Ingwenyama Cup clash between Nsingizini Hotspurs and Mbabane Highlanders at the Mavuso Sports Centre.
The match was abandoned in the 91st minute after Nsingizini defender Luyanda Nhlengetfwa scored a stoppage-time winner, sparking a pitch invasion and the alleged assault of match officials.
Referee Celumusa Siphepho and his assistants were forced to flee as supporters charged onto the field.
Fakudze did not mince his words.
“We plead that EFA looks at the Highlanders issue. It is not the first time their fans have attacked a referee; they did so in 2022. We were patient with them, but now they are at it again,” he said.
He stressed that the safety of officials can no longer be treated lightly, especially after what he described as a repeat pattern of misconduct.
“As referees we wish that security at venues be beefed up to guarantee our safety. We cannot have five or 10 police officers in a stadium,” Fakudze added.
The chaos at Mavuso Sports Centre reportedly saw:
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Objects thrown onto the pitch
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Journalists threatened
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Rubber bullets fired as police struggled to restore order
Mbabane Highlanders now face potential fines exceeding E161 000 under Article 10 of the Ingwenyama Cup regulations for alleged breaches including pitch invasion, assault, and failure to control supporters.
While disciplinary processes will take their course, Fakudze said his immediate concern was the welfare and morale of match officials.
“We apologise to all referees and ask them to keep their heads up, work with determination and apply the Laws of the Game as they were taught,” he said.
In a firm stance that underlines the gravity of the situation, Fakudze confirmed that referees would honour this weekend’s MTN Premier League fixtures — but made it clear their continued availability hinges on improved safety measures.
