Zimpapers Logo

 Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS FC board member and retired radio personality Luke Mnkandla yesterday launched a scathing attack on the media which he accused of biased reporting against the club.

Mnkandla described the media as clowns before he singled out a private daily which he said was ‘smelly’ and not worth reading.

He was speaking during the Highlanders Football Club annual general meeting attended by 307 members at the team’s Masotsha Avenue clubhouse yesterday.

“Before I say what I stood up to say, allow me to say a few things about the reports that have been coming out in the newspapers. I’ve been quoted saying things in Nkayi, things which are entirely false. I never went to Nkayi for starters. These clowns (media) have been writing izinto (things) that I never said and I’ve since decided not to read the paper anymore and if I do that there’re many people who will do that as well. Southern Eye stop it, I’m watching you,” said Mnkandla.

Mnkandla’s outburst followed a report which the paper carried following a social media post by one Dumisani Nyongolo Nkomo where he questioned his impartiality.

Nkomo accused Mnkandla of having a pre-determined verdict on the candidature of Ernest Maphepha Sibanda who challenged incumbent Peter Dube for the post.

Mnkandla’s tirade on the media lasted for almost 20 minutes.

Highlanders board chairman Mgcini Nkolomi apologised on behalf of Mnkandla and said a formal apology will be extended to the media.

“It’s unfortunate really but please allow me to offer my personal apology over that and if it’s okay with you, I can ask Mnkandla to come and personally address you,” said Nkolomi.

Later after the meeting, Southern Eye deputy editor Njabulo Ncube was seen engaging Mnkandla over the issue.