Swazi Observer

FULL STORY

‘BEYOND 2000’ ADDRESSES OWNERSHIP TENSIONS

By Mgcini Dube | 2024-06-24

SOCCER - IN an effort to quell the growing tensions surrounding the ownership of Mbabane Swallows, Governor Sandile ‘Beyond 2000’ Zwane publicly clarified his position within the club.

Zwane made the statement during an interview on EBIS Morning Sports Show yesterday, amidst rising speculations and concerns that were raised during a media briefing at Madlenya House on Thursday.

The recent tension within the club stemmed from comments made by Princess Lungile, the wife of late former director Victor ‘Maradona’ Gamedze, who questioned the current ownership and leadership structure of Mbabane Swallows. In response, Zwane sought to clear the air and reassure fans and stakeholders about his role.

emphasised

The football administrator emphasised that he was neither the owner nor the boss of the esteemed football club. Instead, he described himself as a devoted servant of the team, dedicated to its success and legacy.

“Mbabane Swallows belongs to the various stakeholders who made it what it is today, it is not Sandile Zwane’s club. Sandile Zwane is also not the boss of the club, but a servant just like everyone else who has been asked to serve the team. I would like us to clarify that,” he said.

He went on to say that he together with the team would forever be grateful to Princess Lungile for contributions to the team. He acknowledged her tireless efforts and commitment to maintaining the club's standards and operations. The governor said even though he contributed in his own way to the club, it did not give him the right to claim that it was his, and any reports suggesting otherwise were false.

“I will always respect Mrs Gamedze for all her contributions to the club together with Mbabane Swallows fans and management. I would also like to advise anyone looking for clarity on the club’s ownership to use the courts to help them get the club’s papers which will clarify everything,” added Zwane.

briefing

Asked on why he was not present during the club’s media briefing on Thursday, which raised a lot of questions from supporters, Zwane said they could not attend at as the meeting had not been called by the ones authorised to hold a mass club meeting.

“I don’t attend meetings that have not be called by the right person as it would seem as if we are calling a huge meeting by ourselves which isn’t allowed, as according to the legal document at the PLE offices,” he said.

The governor also clarified on some other issues surrounding the team as he reassured fans that they would retain a bulk of their players, as well as the fact that players would be paid their salaries once they had also received their pending payments.

share story