Times Of Swaziland: ‘BIRDS’ CAN’T SUSPEND US – TASK TEAM CHAIR

‘BIRDS’ CAN’T SUSPEND US – TASK TEAM CHAIR
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Sanele Jele on 14/08/2024 14:59:00


MBABANE - Bongani Dlamini, Chairman of the Mbabane Swallows (Pty) Ltd Task Team,
is challenging the suspension by the other faction.
There are two factions at Swallows – the company and the football club. The
former is under Princess Lungile and has a task team to run the football club.
Dlamini’s remarks follow a statement issued by Swallows FC on their Facebook
page, announcing the establishment of a disciplinary committee (DC) led by
Robert Magongo. The statement indicated that the following individuals - Enock
Nkosi, Cyprian Ginindza, Bongani Dlamini, Mduduzi Msane, Khaya Vilakati and
Sibusiso Gwebu - have been suspended with immediate effect (pending their
appearance before the DC) from participating in any activities that may suggest
they are representing Mbabane Swallows FC, including making media statements and
attending matches.
Hearing
Furthermore, the statement highlighted that failure to appear before the DC
would be regarded as a forfeiture of their right to be heard, prompting the
committee to proceed with the disciplinary hearing in their absence. When
questioned about the task team situation and the legitimacy of the leadership at
Swallows, Dlamini remarked: “There is little to say regarding this matter
because they (Swallows FC) have instructed us not to comment. We do not wish to
disrupt the team. The appropriate time will come for us to provide a formal
statement,” said Dlamini.
He extended his best wishes to the team as they competed in the CAF Champions
League against Mozambique’s Club Ferroviario da Beira last Friday at Lucas
Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa. Regarding the suspension and
appearance before the Disciplinary Committee, he stated: “Sihliphi, asizange
sidvonse tinkhabi,” a phrase loosely translated as, “You cannot put the cart
before the horse.” Who has empowered them to establish these committees and
make such decisions to suspend us? Nonetheless, we respect their request on
national radio for silence” he noted. He mentioned that while the issue was
being resolved behind the scenes, where there is a father figure who has passed
on; there must be another to assume his responsibilities. “There may be
disagreements, but we understand who takes over in the absence of the father,”
he remarked.
Respect
He emphasised that their silence did not stem from having nothing to say.
“When we finally speak, it will astonish everyone. For now, we choose to show
respect, but perhaps in two weeks’ time, we will be prepared to issue a
statement,” he added.  Dlamini lamented that it was unfortunate they were
pleading for assistance, while members of the task team were suspended.  “What
manner of leadership is this? You appoint individuals to the DC yet do not
inform them of such a significant task. Where is the governance in this?
“Some members of the Disciplinary Committee have distanced themselves from
this decision, revealing divisions among them. Nonetheless, as I said, we will
not discuss this extensively until the right moment,” he asserted. Those
distancing themselves from the newly-formed DC include Starky Mvumbu and
Jabulani Simelane. Meanwhile, Welile Mabuza, Acting Chairman of Swallows FC,
referred all comments to the Acting President, Absalom Ngwenya. Efforts to reach
Ngwenya for comments were unsuccessful.