Ongoing rumours about rift denied
We might not see football matters in the same way, but there is no rift between us.
Mbombela United (Tingwenyama) co-chairman, S’khumbuzo Matsebula has dismissed suggestion of a rift between him and his brother, Oupa Matsebula as co-chairmen of the National First Division campaigning side.
The Matsebula brothers have been smoothly co-running the team since its inception in 2010 when they bought a status in the SAB Regional League until they gain promotion to the NFD in the 2014/15 season.
Reports have since emerged, however, of a major difference of opinion between the two with S’khumbuzo said to have decided to sideline himself with issues regarding running the day-to-day business of the team.
To fuel these rumours, S’khumbuzo has always been spotted around the area when the team were away to play league games, like last Saturday when they drew 0-all against Magesi at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Limpopo.
But when contacted for comment by Mpumalanga News, S’khumbuzo dismissed suggestions of a disagreement.
“These rumours that that there is a rift between me (S’khumbuzo) and my brother (Oupa) are unfounded. As I speak to you right now, I was telephonically speaking to Oupa, who is on an overseas business trip about issues regarding the team.
“We might not see football matters in the same way, but there is no rift between us.
“I am still a shareholder and partner in the business of Mbombela United with 50-per cent shares. These rumours are without a foundation. “It is misleading to the public,” said S’khumbuzo in a telephonic interview with Mpumalanga News on Tuesday.
He said these rumours were not helpful at the time when they were doing all they could to ensure they returned to their winning ways.
Tingwenyama have not been doing well compared to last season when they took the NFD by storm in their maiden season.
They are currently perched in position 11 with five points after five games. S’khumbuzo attributes their poor start to the season to the number of quality players they lost during the end of the season break.
“After failing to gain promotion to the PSL, there was nothing we could do to stand in the way of our players as they attracted top sides interest. We decided to let them go and build the team afresh,” added S’khumbuzo.
Among the players they lost include first- choice goalkeeper Thuto Qaba to Royal Eagles and top striker, Sfiso Thomo, also to Eagles.
Other players who left the Mpumalanga-based side are Sinethemba Jantjie (Free State Stars), Phetolo Sekome (Chippa United) and Lebogang Maboe (Maritzburg United).
Next week Saturday (October 15) Tingwenyama want to turn the tables when they host Eagles at KaNyamazane Stadium. Kick-off is at 15:00.
Tickets are available at Chesa Nyama in KaNyamazane Shopping Complex at R20 for adults and R10 for kids.
