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TENSIONS BOIL AT BULL OVER ALLY’S BANANA COMMENT

By MGCINI DUBE | 2024-12-13

SOCCER - IT'S a war of words!
The cracks within the Mbabane Highlanders' management have spilled over to the public domain, with players speaking out against recent remarks made by the club director.

The incident unfolded after their weekend clash with Sidvwashini United at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre, which ended in a 1-1 draw. It all began with a controversial social media post on the Director Chief Ally Kgomongwe's WhatsApp.

The post featured a picture of Highlanders National Supporters Committee Chairman Mfanuzile ‘Fash’ Dlamini and goalkeeper Bhekisisa Dlamini with a box of bananas.

“Put the money and bananas in front of the monkey. The real monkey will choose bananas and leave the money as is.” The post has since sparked outrage among players.

One of the players, speaking on condition of anonymity, took to social media to express his disappointment, describing the director’s comments as ‘hate speech’.

He lamented the choice of words, saying they demeaned the players and undermined their commitment to the club. “Our primary responsibility is to play for the team and serve it with the diligence it deserves,” the player wrote.

“The supporters who stand with us through thick and thin deserve praise, not this kind of negativity.

They are the true backbone of this club,” he continued. He went further to defend the players’ decision to stay committed to the team despite financial and operational challenges. “We are not a bunch of stupid monkeys who choose bananas over money.

“We are proud to serve the badge and represent this institution when it matters most,” he added.

The players insist that their loyalty to Highlanders transcended material considerations. “We could have opted for ‘money,’ as some might say, but our commitment is to Highlanders, the institution that means so much to us and the supporters .

This isn’t about being misled; it’s about standing by something we believe in.” Kgomongwe, in his latest comment on the matter, said he was not directing the quote to the players but to the people who were giving his players bananas.

"It’s sad that my players were being compensated with bananas, such a big team like Highlanders, it’s a disgrace. Where in the world have you seen big teams posting food on their page? these are the reasons we are not going to be taken serious.

My players should not take offence, they should have just called me to seek clarity. It is sad because all the things that are happening will come back to me because I am the director of the team,’’ he said.

The latest drama underscores growing tensions within the club’s leadership. Despite these challenges, the Highlanders’ players have continued to fight for the team, often leaning on the unwavering support of fans who have stuck by their side in tough times.

They believe the club’s history and legacy deserve better, they argue, and all parties involved must prioritise the team’s interests over personal differences.

The Black Bull remains one of the most followed teams, but internal tensions threaten to tarnish its reputation.

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