The Eswatini Premier League has once again been rocked by a huge problem of ambulances at match days which has led to some embarrassing moments.
The League is run by former Mamelodi Sundowns General manager Kenneth Makhanya who took over the role of CEO in March 2021.
Four weeks ago, FARPost reported that fans had to save the day and push a stuck ambulance, which was supposed to take an injured player to hospital.
ESWATINI PREMIER LEAGUE AMBULANCE PROBLEM PERSIST
Recently, two league matches also had to be abandoned due to the absence of ambulances and medical facilities at a match venue.
Clubs have been instructed to have their private vehicles at the stadium ready in case there are no ambulances. The clubs have also been warned that refusal to play would result in consequences.
On Thursday, officials of Tambuti FC were forced to carry their injured player during a league match into a private car [Main picture] to the hospital.
“Where an effort to secure an ambulance has been made by the PLE secretariat and such effort fails due to the non-availability of this scarce national resource. Premier League games will proceed and there will be no just reason to abandon PLE games,” read a communique from CEO Makhanya.
“Each team should ensure that it has a vehicle available to evacuate any of its members that is referred to a hospital by the doctors at the stadium.
TEAMS WARNED AGAINST ABANDONMENT OF MATCHES
“Any team that refuses to play shall be deemed to have caused the abandonment of the game,” the league warned clubs.
“The PLE notes with great concern the prevalent abandonment of Premier League games. Purportedly on account of a medical rule that requires the presence of an Ambulance and Advanced Life Support paramedic at the Stadium. The Safety of players, officials and spectators is paramount in any games fixtured by the PLE. There can never be a reason to compromise on safety whatever the circumstances,”
“It is in this spirit that the PLE has engaged the Department of Emergency Services to provide Ambulance services according to the PLE fixtures each week.
“The Department of Emergency Services have agreed to assist the PLE with ambulances as best as they can. n this regard have established a communication forum between the PLE Office and themselves,” he explained.
The Premier League of eSwatini is currently in week 17 with the Green Mamba topping the log. Mbabane Highlanders who are coached by South African born coach Solly Luvhengo are in position three.
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