SOCCER – Turmoil continues to deepen in the Manzini Wanderers camp as Managing Director Mlamuli Mabuza and his entire Management Committee (MC) face mounting calls to resign with immediate effect.
This follows a highly attended meeting between the National Supporters Committee (NSC) and 16 branch chairpersons held in Manzini on Sunday. The gathering expressed overwhelming disappointment in the club’s current leadership, citing a lack of progress, transparency, and unfulfilled promises.
Eswatini Observer WhatsApp Channel
NSC Chairman Mthunzi Dlamini said the team had stagnated under the current administration.
“We convened this urgent meeting after noting there’s no progress in the team. Our leadership has shown no commitment. We were optimistic when they took over before the season began, but today we regret it because their promises turned out to be empty,” he said.
Dlamini revealed that supporters had resorted to donating food and fuel for players to travel to matches, a sign of the team’s deepening financial strain.
“The MC also lacks leadership skills. We even requested the removal of the head of security, something the MD promised to address but nothing has happened,” he added.
Supporters call for leadership change
Branch Chairperson Muzi Mahlalela echoed the frustration, saying the current leadership must vacate office immediately.
“We tried to assist them but they ignored us. We are now calling on the MD and his MC to step down. Manzini Wanderers will not collapse without them,” he said.
He added that the leadership had promised to inject E1.6 million, but that claim appears false as the club remains in financial turmoil.
NSC Vice Chairman Bopha Nxumalo raised further concerns about team resources, including the urgent need for a new kit.
“MaWeseli, remember the team plays on Friday. Whatever happens must not affect the players on the field. We need a new kit as soon as possible because the current leadership might leave with everything,” he warned.
Another branch chairperson, Sibandze, said the current regime had taken supporters for granted.
When contacted for comment, Club PRO Mongi Simelane declined to comment, saying he was unaware of the meeting.
“I will not say anything on this matter because I know nothing about the meeting where all this was discussed,” he said.
Council of Elders Chairman Joe Nkumane also distanced himself, saying he was not aware of the meeting and questioned whether the NSC had the authority to remove a director.
“I’m not sure if they have powers to dismiss a director,” he said.
…Legal team to take over
The National Supporters Committee (NSC) and 16 branch chairpersons have now resolved that Manzini Wanderers’ legal team will take charge as the club prepares for new leadership.
The team, consisting of lawyer Bongani ‘Bhanyaza’ Mdluli, Advocate Mduduzi ‘Tsotsi’ Mabila, and lawyer Sifiso ‘Charlie’ Jele, is credited for helping the club retain its elite league status during a recent court battle.
Addressing supporters, Sikhumbuzo Mngometulu confirmed that the NSC would back the legal team as interim leaders.
“We have resolved that the legal team must take over. They will have our full support, unless the current MD shows us the E1.6 million he promised,” he said.
Another supporter, Nomvuyo Ngozo, urged the return of former director Sibani Mngomezulu, saying he could help rescue the club.
Meanwhile, the NSC was expected to meet with the legal team last night in Manzini to map the way forward.
On the field, the Hub giants face yet another tough assignment on Friday afternoon when they take on Ubombo Sugar at Mayaluka Stadium.
Eswatini Observer Press Reader | View Here
