By Sibusiso Masilela
IT never rains but pours for Manzini Wanderers. The hub giants are set to forfeit their prize monies including the E100 000 participation fee for the 2023/24 MTN Premier League as the team has been garnished by former Mbabane Swallows President Archbishop Bheki Lukhele Lawyers.
The outstanding debt is in respect of the E200 000 outstanding loan which Lukhele handed the hub giants in the 2020/21 season during the era of former director Sandile ‘Chief’ Dlamini.
Lukhele recently stepped down as the ‘Beautiful Birds’ Boss after spending three seasons in charge of the red and white glamour side. The maroon and white ensemble will also receive E10 000 participation fee from the recent Trade Fair Cup.
A source close to the matter revealed that the garnishing order from the Dunseith Attorneys has been delivered to the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) to facilitate the repayment processes.
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“Wanderers might not get their participation fee following the garnishee order and the matter is now being handled by PLE who are now dealing with both parties,” the source said. Premier League of Eswatini Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kenneth Makhanya could not be drawn for comment on the matter at the time of compiling this report.
Wanderers Public Relations Officer (PRO) Mduduzi ‘Mr G’ Ginindza asked to verify the matter with his superiors. “I am not yet privy to comment on the matter which you talking about until I get an official update from the team authorities,” he said.
The maroon and white giants are reportedly rocked by a player’s boycott ahead of their MTN Premier League opener against Nsingizini Hotspurs on Saturday at King Sobhuza Memorial II Stadium.
