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I CLEARED THE BALL, SAW SNAKES – MASUNDVWINI PLAYER

By Mgcini Dube | 2025-01-19

Soccer – A bizarre and unsettling scene unfolded in the final minutes of a tense match between defending champions Green Mamba and underdogs Masundvwini Royal Swallows.

Bongani 'Smally' Dlamini, a player for Masundvwini left the crowd and players in shock after suffering a distressing incident during the game, claiming he saw ‘a lot of snakes’ after clearing the ball.

The drama began when ‘Smally’ attempted to head the ball clear from a relentless Green Mamba attack. Moments later, he collapsed to the ground, prompting immediate medical attention. His erratic behaviour during treatment revealed signs of hallucination, shocking spectators and players alike.

"I cleared the ball and everything went dark. My waist and lower body were not functioning. I saw a lot of snakes things no one could cope with. After I left the pitch, Green Mamba scored.

If I had stayed on, they would not have scored. I am feeling better now, but veins on my left side are still painful,” he said.

The medical team worked to stabilise Dlamini before turning to traditional remedies, which seemed to help him recover. He was eventually escorted to the dressing room for further care.

Masundvwini Royal Swallows manager Bongi Shongwe expressed deep concern over the incident, suggesting it might be linked to the use of ‘foreign substances’ in football.

"This is deeply disturbing. The things used in football are dangerous and players' lives are at risk. Mark my words—one day, we will lose a life because of this.

“However, I am proud of my boys’ performance. If you asked Green Mamba whether they would want a rematch, I am sure they had tell a different story,” he said.

This incident has reignited concerns about the alleged use of mystical practices or substances in local football. Similar occurrences have been reported in the past where last year, Mbabane Highlanders’ Melusi 'Mega' Magagula temporarily lost his sight during a match under suspicious circumstances.

Also Madlenya player Melusi Gulwako reportedly lost his ability to speak, while Highlanders’ defender Sibahle Sukati temporarily lost his hearing.

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