Special tribute for Lungelo from Minister Benedict
(At Esibayeni Lodge)
MATSAPHA – Acting Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Benedict Xaba has hailed outstanding Red Lions striker Lungelo Tempe.
The dazzling striker was dubbed ‘the Thulani Serero’ of the MTN National First Division awards when he won the Player of the Season, Top Goal Scorer award and three Player of the Month awards. And the Shiselweni 11 MP who is stood in for the recently married Minister Hlobisile Ndlovu said the youngster whose 26 goals took his team to the premier league needs to be nurtured further.
“Lungelo has shown his potential and I think we should invest more in his talent,” he said.
The Player took home a total of E9 500 during the event.
Meanwhile, Welile Maseko was crowned the best player in the premier league after helping his club win their maiden MTN League title.
He was the last player in the season to win the Player of the Month.
THE LIST OF PLAYER OF MONTH WINNERS
AUGUST- Sifiso Dlamini (Hellenic)
SEPTEMBER – Barry Steenkamp (Leopard)
OCTOBER – Simphiwe Gamedze (G. Mamba)
NOVEMBER – Njabulo Ndlovu (Swallows)
DECEMBER – Carlos Mathunjwa (Hub)
JANUARY – Nkululeko Dlamini (Umbelebele)
FEBRUARY – Sdumo Shongwe (Wanderers)
MARCH – Zakhele Manyatsi (Leopard)
APRIL – Jacob Muzokomba (M. Sundowns)
MAY – Welile Maseko (G. Mamba)
... MTN CEO hails exciting season
The exciting season has received glowing tribute from Swazi MTN CEO Ambrose Dlamini.
Dlamini in his speech during the prize presentation at Esibayeni Lodge on Wednesday night hailed a crisis-free season.
“We have noted the improved management of the games by the PLS, hence we had a season that showed great commitment, perseverance and brilliance,” he said.
He applauded the teams for what was a tight competition that kept everyone in suspense in as far as determining the champions.
“It was not until the last minute of the games that we were able to know the winner, and the supporters just liked enjoyed every moment of the competition,” he said.
Green Mamba won the title on superior goals scored over second placed Manzini Wanderers as both teams ended with 50 points each.
...PLS will embrace corporate governance
PLS is ready to move with the times and fully embraces the dictates of corporate governance as a way of taking the sport forward.
Chairman Victor Gamedze in a speech delivered by executive committee member Mduduzi Tsotsi Mabila acknowledged that the organisation has made mistakes in the past, but was ready to improve.
“We would love to thank Swazi MTN for showing confidence in us. We have made mistakes in the past and we are ready to correct them. We will surely embrace corporate governance as an organisation,” he said.
The two parties have been in partnership since 2001 when the mobile phone company took over the league sponsorship.
...Govt will support G. Mamba in Africa
Acting Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Benedict Xaba has pledged government commitment towards helping Africa Cup bound Green Mamba.
This was during the MTN League prize presentation, where the Correctional Services side received its E600 000 first prize money at Esibayeni Lodge.
“Government will help Green Mamba in Africa,” he said.
Meanwhile, Xaba further praised Mhlambanyatsi Rovers for showing professionalism in their final game against Green Mamba.
“I think Rovers deserve praise for showing great commitment against Green Mamba even when they had nothing to play for. They played competitively throughout,” he said.