Swazi Observer

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BIRDS CRISIS DEEPENS!

By MELUSI MLOTSA | 2024-11-26

SOCCER – The much-anticipated handover between Mbabane Swallows FC and Mbabane Swallows (Pty) Ltd descended into chaos yesterday at Thokoza Conference Centre.

The meeting, which lasted nearly two hours, ended in acrimony as Mbabane Swallows FC representatives stormed out, escalating tensions between the two factions.

The media was barred from entering the hall, but the heated exchanges inside were audible outside, where reporters had camped. Manager Magwegwe Dlamini was the first to leave the meeting, expressing visible anger and issuing harsh words directed at Swallows (Pty) Ltd.

Outgoing acting President Absalom ‘Mvana’ Ngwenya later addressed the media, confirming that they had officially handed over the club but would retain certain assets. “Yes, we handed over the club as per their wish. However, we are taking everything—jerseys, the sprinter, the clubhouse, and the training ground.

We are leaving the players to them. We are Mbabane Swallows FC, and they are Mbabane Swallows (Pty) Ltd. They wanted the team, not our properties,” he said. Ngwenya further claimed that the previous leadership had inherited nothing from the club, with soccer kits allegedly distributed to individuals in Msunduza.

Mduduzi Hlophe, speaking on behalf of Princess Lungile, acknowledged the disagreements but downplayed their severity, describing them as normal for transitions in large organisations.
“Disagreements happen in transitions, especially for a big brand like Swallows.

However, the meeting continued. This is a work in progress, and outstanding issues will be addressed. I trust that they are responsible Swallows supporters and will not withhold the team’s assets,” said Hlophe.

He assured fans that a committee was already in place to address the club’s pressing issues.
Club captain Kingsley Kwayki urged both parties to expedite negotiations to prevent disruptions on the team’s performance.

“We plead for smooth negotiations. This needs to be resolved quickly so that it doesn’t affect us, especially since we are at the top of the league.

As players, this is our livelihood, and we depend on it to support our families,” said Kwayki. The absence of Princess Lungile from the meeting raised further questions, though she sent a delegation led by Bongani Dlamini, who will chair the new Management Committee.

While both parties have expressed hopes of resolving their differences, the dispute over assets could worsen unless an agreement is reached soon.

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