SOCCER — The leadership of Manzini Wanderers is reportedly deeply divided over a controversial proposal to purchase an elite league status following the club’s relegation to the MulaSport National First Division (NFD).
Once regarded as one of the country’s traditional football powerhouses and regular title contenders, the ‘Weslians’ will now be competing in the National First Division after a difficult season that ended in demotion.
At the centre of the current tension is a proposal reportedly advanced by part of the club’s leadership structure, suggesting that Wanderers acquire a status from one of the newly promoted top-flight teams in order to immediately return to the premier division.
According to insiders, preliminary inquiries have already been made regarding the availability of such a status, including discussions around possible financial figures.
However, the idea has sparked resistance within other sections of the club hierarchy. A faction of members, including some within the broader management structure, are strongly opposed to the move.
“They argue that purchasing a franchise undermines the club’s identity and competitive integrity, insisting that Wanderers should accept relegation and rebuild organically from the MulaSport National First Division,” said a source close to the matter.
Those opposed to the proposal maintain that the club’s long-term stability cannot be achieved through administrative shortcuts but rather through structured planning, player development and a return to winning culture on the pitch.
The source said the situation indicated that the Council of Elders, directors and the Management Committee were expected to convene a crucial meeting at the end of the week.
The meeting is anticipated to chart the way forward for the club with the status purchase proposal expected to dominate discussions.
Manzini Wanderers Marketing Manager Sandile ‘Ntofo’ Dlamini declined to comment on the matter. He stated that he could not provide any official position, noting that the club’s directors had not yet issued formal communication on the issue.
“I cannot say anything for now regarding the issue. Maybe I will have something to say in due course,” he said.
The outcome of the upcoming meeting is expected to determine whether Wanderers pursue an immediate return to the top-flight through purchase or commit to rebuilding from the lower division.
Meanwhile, Manzini Wanderers have demanded E9.9 million from the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) and the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) as compensation for their exclusion from the 2024/25 season. Following a dispute over a player registration protest, the club claims a ‘dereliction of duty’ by the football bodies despite a High Court order to include them. With a seven-day ultimatum issued for payment, both the PLE and EFA are opposing the claim, and the EFA has indicated it will fight the matter in court.
