SOCCER – NSINGIZINI Hotspurs have declared they will leave no stone unturned in identifying and punishing those responsible for the violent fracas that marred their Premier League clash with Mbabane Highlanders at Mavuso Sports Centre on Sunday.
In the aftermath of the ugly scenes, the Shiselweni-based club has come out strongly, vowing to impose strict fines and disciplinary action against any players found to have ignited the chaos.
This was revealed by Nsingizini Public Relations Officer (PRO) Mnotfo Nkosi speaking during an interview on EBIS Sports Show yesterday.
“We are currently reviewing match footage to single out the perpetrators. Anyone found guilty will face the consequences. Our disciplinary programme allows for sporting fines when players flout the rules of football,” he said.
Nkosi’s comments come as the club grapples with the fallout from the disturbing events witnessed by a packed stadium. Emphasising a return to the values of sportsmanship, club President Derrick Shiba yesterday issued a passionate plea to the Nsingizini faithful.
“As we prepare for the Shiselweni derby this weekend at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium, we urge our supporters to rally behind the team and uphold discipline. We have six points and 180+ minutes left to play and this league is still very much alive,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to fans for filling the stadium in recent weeks but reminded them not to press the panic button despite the recent setbacks.
On the other side Mbabane Highlanders Marketing and Communications Officer Lington Gule commended their own fans for staying calm and following directives during the volatile encounter.
“We appreciate the discipline shown by our supporters and those from Nsingizini who followed instructions not to enter the field,” he said.
The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) has also stepped in with stern words about escalating violence threatening the image and financial future of domestic football.
PLE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) CEO Petros Vilakati revealed that such incidents are complicating their contract renewal talks with MTN Eswatini.
“This is the final year of our agreement with MTN Eswatini, and we are already in negotiations. But when violence happens, we are forced to justify it at the table. These actions are harming football and putting our sponsorships at risk,” he said.
Vilakati warned clubs and players to avoid any behaviour that could trigger conflict, hinting that it may even cost teams financially when fines eat into award payouts.
“Respect for the game is key. If teams do shady things or players act out, we all lose,” he added.
He confirmed that a disciplinary hearing regarding the Sunday incident is set for this week.
“Those involved will face the music they simply failed to act professionally,” he said.
Royal Leopard CEO Frank Hurube echoed the PLE’s sentiments, stressing that unruly behaviour is driving sponsors away.
“These chaotic scenes are pushing football backwards. They scare off sponsors, and we all end up paying the price,” he said.
As the season nears its climax, with clubs vying for honours, it’s clear that on-pitch performance alone will not determine success as discipline, ethics and respect for the game have become just as crucial.
