By Musa Mdluli

MBABANE: Sibonelo Mngomezulu known as Inkhosikati LaMbikiza is allegedly interfering in the ongoing dispute and relegation battle involving her football team Manzini Wanderers.

The King’s wife is alleged to have instructed Judge Mumcy Dlamini to rule in favour of Wanderers after several independent local football bodies ruled that, the team must be relegated for poor performance in the Premier League.

LaMbikiza avoided to respond and clarify the matter when contacted by editor Zweli Martin Dlamini.

“There are allegations suggesting that, you and Judge Mumcy Dlamini are interfering in the Manzini Wanderers relegation case. Can you clarify if you instructed the Judge to rule in Manzini Wanderers favour?. Are you aware that the ongoing dispute and alleged interference might result to the country being banned by international football bodies like FIFA for interference?”, reads a questionnaire in part sent by the editor to the King’s wife.

But even before the matter went to court, the editor received information from close sources suggesting that, it was allegedly being pushed by the King’s wife.

“There is a case of Wanderers, Denver and lately Moneni, it now involves royalty particularly Patron LaMbikiza and Phashu.Judge Mumcy has been instructed to hangle the case.By 3am Moneni is expected to have filled papers. Registration closes Friday tomorrow 1200. Kusasa ngumgicogico enkantolo.Wanderers were relegated,they appealed and failed in all football structures but opted to go at the high court coz they have royal influence”, said one of the sources who alerted the editor before the matter went to court.

After Judge Mumcy Dlamini ruled in favour of Manzini Wanderers, the sources contacted the editor again saying; “you see what I’ve told you about?. Judge Mumcy Dlamini has ruled in favour of Manzini Wanderers”.

Efforts to reach Manzini Wanderers Governor Bongani ‘Bhanyaza’ Mdluli proved unsuccessful as he was not reachable on his mobile phone.

On another note, Darius Dlomo, the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the Eswatini Sports and Recreation Council (ESRC) has warned that, the matter might result to international bodies like the Federation International of Football Association(FIFA) banning Eswatini in all football activities, he was speaking to the ‘State owned’ Eswatini Observer.

“We urge associations to try and exhaust all local sporting channels to resolve their internal issues. Before running to the national courts, they should also try utilizing the sports tribunal, which in the past has been successful in mitigating and resolving conflicts within associations.My fear is that the continued negative publicity could eventually lead to the country facing sanctions from international mother bodies, which could spell disaster without the funding that will be cut off once we are sanctioned,” said the Sports Council CEO as quoted by the Swazi Observer.