Swazi Observer

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PLAYERS DEFY PLE

By JONGILE XUBA | 2024-12-28

SOCCER - SWIMMING against the tide!
Despite a stern warning to Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) players against taking part in stokvel tournaments, a number of the elite league stars defied the order on Boxing Day yesterday as they were spotted playing in the TZ Msunduza Festive Tournament.

The tournament, which is now dubbed the 'Kasi football,' was well-attended with the young and old watching the exciting games.

The annually-held festive tournament, which is staged at Msunduza Sports Ground, has gained prominence, thanks to its ability to attract the masses from both near and afar.

It seems, however, that a multitude of supporters are not all that the tournament attracts, as a number of current and former elite league players have been spotted in the 2024 edition of the tournament.

The likes of Manzini Wanderers captain Mlamuli ‘Mlaba’ Nkambule, Sea Birds pair of Sibusiso Dlamini and Mayibongwe ‘Suarez’ Mabuza, Moneni Pirates' Xolani ‘Messi’ Ngwenya and Green Mamba star player Sabelo ‘Sawa’ Shongwe were some of the players who took part in the tournament.

‘Mlamuli’, who was playing for Mntulwini, inspired his team to a 2-0 win over Mncitsini in one of the entertaining encounters.

Fomer stars in the likes of Wandile ‘Wawa’ Nxumalo and Bongani ‘Rhee’ Ncongwane were part of the coaching panel for Mntulwini, which is one of the favourites to win the tournament.

The same Mncitsini had Eswatini international stars in Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze and Justice ‘Figa’ Figuareido playing for them.

Other prominent players who featured in the games were Andile ‘Khune’ Zwane, Siphile Motsa, Jonathan Bafoe, Machawe Dlamini and Amos Kusi (all from Amawele).

One of the players who spoke on condition of anonymity said this was not a sign of disrespect.
“We found ourselves playing in the tournament because we are also from here.

“To us, it is a way of giving back to the communities that support us.
We try by all means to avoid injuries,” he said. PLE acting CEO Petros ‘Pat’ Vilakati, who warned the players not to take part in such games, said they were worried about the players' injures.

“The players belong to the teams that are affiliated to us.
“We were just warning the players as a way of helping the teams. There is nothing much we can do. The teams will decide what to do to their players,” he said.

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