SOCCER – THE Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Appeals Board has dismissed Mbabane Highlanders’ appeal against the Disciplinary Committee (DC) ruling relating to the abandoned Ingwenyama Cup Last 16 match against Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Delivering the verdict at Sigwaca House, Appeals Board Chairman Derrick Jele confirmed that the DC’s decision would stand, with only an adjustment made to the sanctions imposed on the club.
“We are convinced at the evidence before us that Mbabane Highlanders and all those acting on their behalf caused the abandonment of the match,” said Jele.
“The decision of the DC is confirmed subject to the appellant paying the sum of E25 000. That means Mbabane Highlanders will lose the match and pay E25 000 for both Counts One and Two and not E50 000. All the grounds of appeal except on sanctions are dismissed and the reasons will follow in due course in written form.”
The Appeals Board ruling means Highlanders remain guilty of causing the abandonment of the match. The club will forfeit the fixture and pay a fine of E25 000, reduced from the E50 000 initially imposed through concurrent sanctions by the DC.
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The case originates from the abandoned match played at Mavuso Sports Centre, where proceedings were halted following crowd disturbances and an alleged assault on the referee.
In its earlier ruling, the DC, chaired by Thulani Sibandze, found Highlanders guilty on three counts, including causing the abandonment, referee assault and failure to control supporters.
The DC imposed fines of E25 000 for causing the abandonment, E50 000 for referee assault and E3 000 for failure to control supporters. However, the penalties were to run concurrently, resulting in a total payable fine of E50 000.
During the appeal hearing, Highlanders challenged both the findings and the disciplinary process.
The club argued that the evidence relied upon included written reports that were not supported by witness testimony and cross-examination.
They also submitted that the match was part of a double-header involving multiple teams, making it difficult to identify the individuals responsible for the incidents.
The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE), represented by prosecutor Sibusiso Manda, maintained that the evidence presented was sufficient and that the submissions made by Highlanders did not displace the match officials’ reports.
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Following the Appeals Board decision, Nsingizini Hotspurs’ advancement in the competition remains unchanged. The team is set to face National First Division side Msumpe Manchester in the quarterfinals following the draw conducted on Tuesday.
The date and venue of the fixture are yet to be announced by the PLE.
Highlanders were represented by Nkosingivile Dlamini during the appeal proceedings.
