Swazi Observer

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COMFORT SHONGWE STEPS DOWN

By Sibusiso Masilela | 2019-07-12

SOCCER – BARELY a few weeks after assuming the position of Mbabane Swallows Public Relations Officer, Comfort ‘Hlasela’ Shongwe has since quit the capital city giants.

In what will come as a shock to the ‘Beautiful Birds’ family, Shongwe says he decided to relinquish the position after receiving death threats from unknown individuals, who do not want him in the team.

Insults

He said ever since he was announced as the team’s new PRO, he has been inundated with insults and death threats from people, who were hell-bent to see him leave the team. “It is with a heavy heart that I have since decided to quit my position at Mbabane Swallows after receiving death threats from certain individuals who have been urging me to leave the team. It is for that reason that I have opted to step aside and take a break from football in fear for my life and family,” he said.

Shongwe said he was sorry to all the Swallows people, who wanted him in the team.

“I know this will be like I am betraying them but in all honestly, my family is at risk because of the death threats I keep receiving day and night. I was looking forward to work diligently for the team but in view of the prevailing circumstances, I think its best I step down with a heavy heart though.

Dream

“It is my dream to be the PRO of the team but I know that it will happen one day, God willing. I am not at all happy with this decision but there is nothing I can do. Ngibuhlungu kakhulu bhuti kuloku lokwentekako kepha nje Nkulunkulu utangilwela,” he said.

Shongwe further thanked the team’s Chairperson Princess Lungile for offering him the opportunity to be part of one of the biggest teams in the country. “I am very grateful to Make Gamedze and the Swallows’ family for giving me an opportunity to be the mouthpiece of the team. I wish the team the best of luck in its future endeavours. I am confident that the team will soon reclaim its glory days locally and internationally by going all the way to represent the country in the CAF interclub competitions in the near future,” he said.

Shongwe was announced alongside veteran official Khaya Vilakati (Chairman), Phindile Dikiza (Secretary in office), Jackson Dlamini (National Supporters Coordinator) in the new-look Management Committee, following the resignation of the former MC which was headed by former star player Lloyd ‘Magic Feet’ Maziya.

Shongwe has previously worked at two local sides in Tambankulu Callies and Red Lions. He was also 2019 Bible Society Cup PRO, where he did a wonderful job.

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