Swazi Observer

FULL STORY

MANYISA RACIALLY ABUSED

By Melusi Mlotsa | 2019-11-12

SOCCER – IN a startling revelation, Manzini Wanderers’ gifted youngster Leon Manyisa allegedly parted ways with Armenia side FC Van due to racial abuse.

This comes after the player’s reported two-year deal with Armenian side FC Van was terminated just after signing it on October 20. The player eventually returned home two weeks ago to rejoin Manzini Wanderers.

He has already played for the Weslians where he scored the lone goal during their match against Malanti Chiefs. The game was played under protest as Malanti felt Manyisa was not eligible to play.

Information gathered from a source close to the matter revealed that the Elangeni High School pupil was allegedly not accepted by some of the team’s (FC Van) officials because of the colour of his skin.

Situation

The source further narrated that at some point, one of the officials found the youngster having some meat and emptied his plate by kicking it. It is also said the player was using his own soccer boots in Armenia which were purchased by Manzini Wanderers.

“They did not even provide him with soccer boots as he was using the same boots he used at Wanderers. This is how bad the situation was.”

Due to the situation in Armenia, the player is said to have informed his local team boss about the situation, hence he ended up returning back home.

“They tried to persuade him to ignore the problems he was encountering in Armenia, but the player felt it was just too much. Manyisa felt enough was enough and he returned home,” said the source.

Matter

Manzini Wanderers Management Committee Chairman Bongani ‘Bhanyaza’ Mdluli said he would not comment until the case of the player was resolved during the disciplinary hearing on November 20 following Malanti Chiefs’ protest.

“I won’t say anything at the moment until the protest case on November 20. We will then call a press conference after the matter and explain everything in relation to the player,” he said.

Vovovo FC boss Sipho ‘Tsetla’ Bhembe’s phone rang unanswered when also tried yesterday afternoon.

Cleared

Meanwhile, the hub giants maintain that the player was never cleared to the Armenian side.

They claim the player’s documents were still with them and would prove this during the hearing at Sigwaca House.

The matter was postponed to November 20, where Malanti Chiefs are represented by lawyer Zakhele Dlamini, while Advocate Mduduzi ‘Tsotsi’ Mabila is representing Manzini Wanderers.

share story