Swazi Observer

FULL STORY

ALLY PAYS SOME, LEAVES OTHERS OUT

By MELUSI MLOTSA | 2024-12-05

SOCCER - EMBATTLED Mbabane Highlanders Managing Director Chief Ally Kgomongwe is said to have paid coaches Mthunzi Ginindza, physical trainer Christian Thwala and Manager Simiso ‘Space’ Jele their salaries.

He did not pay the players’ salaries because he believes they are under a new management, which should take care of them. He, however, also paid the salary of injured player Melusi ‘Mega’ Magagula.

This follows the power struggle rocking the capital city side, hence threatening its peace and stability.

It is understood that the trio received their salaries on Monday.
Kgomongwe confirmed the developments when contacted.

The Pretoria-based businessman, however, could not elaborate on why he omitted the rest of the squad in the payments.

“Yes, I have paid them their salaries.
They are my people; they showed loyalty during the turmoil. I will continue paying them,” he said.
Head coach Ginindza was emotional when confirming the payment and thanked Kgomongwe for keeping his promise.

“You see, Kgomongwe is like a father to me. Only a few, if any, director can do that, paying someone who is not working.

“I never complained when it came to my salary since I arrived here. Even now he paid my salary, rent for my flat and bought me groceries. Recently, I was in Pretoria, and he booked me into a five-star hotel for two weeks.

“ I never thought I would enjoy such luxury.
Many thanks for the director for what he did for me,” he said.

…Bull players down tools

SOCCER - TROUBLE is looming at Mbabane Highlanders camp as players have downed tools in protest over unpaid salaries.

Reports suggest that the players gave the Management Committee an ultimatum that ended last Friday to pay what’s due to them.

Sources close to the matter revealed that the MC managed to convince the players that they would be paid before the match against Madlenya on Saturday at Mayaluka Stadium.

However, the promise was unfulfiled, which made the players boycott training on Monday and yesterday.

“The players went for training on Monday but didn’t train. But I heard that the MC promised to meet them yesterday to address their concerns but they did not train even today (yesterday). But you can contact the relevant authorities," said the insider.

Highlanders MC Chairman Mbongeni Khumalo neither confirmed nor denied the news.
“I wasn’t hands-on this week since I am not feeling well. However, if there are monetary issues, that’s between employer and employee. They will definitely sit down in the round table without a third party,” he said.

One of the players, who preferred to remain anonyomous, confirmed that they did not train on Monday and yesterday because they want their salaries.

The crowd-pulling side host Sidvwashini United this weekend, coming from back-to-back draws.

share story