Times Of Swaziland: CAF CL: ‘BIRDS’ DISMISS MOTSEPE SUPPORT CLAIMS

CAF CL: ‘BIRDS’ DISMISS MOTSEPE SUPPORT CLAIMS
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Sanele Jele on 25/09/2024 15:36:00


MBABANE – Capital city side Mbabane Swallows have unequivocally rejected
allegations of receiving support from Mamelodi Sundowns.
This denial comes in response to a surge of speculation circulating on social
media, which insinuates that the Eswatini team’s humiliating 8-0 defeat was
orchestrated through complimentary accommodation, stadium access and
refreshments. Following Sundowns’ resounding victory over Swallows with an
aggregate score of 8-0, they advanced to the group stages of the
TotalEnergies-sponsored tournament. The two-legged matches took place on
September 14 and 21. The allegations were particularly ignited by the fact that
Swallows utilised Lucas Moripe Stadium as their home venue, which is also the
home ground of Sundowns. This arrangement resulted in both legs being contested
at a single venue, the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
In a statement released via their social media platforms, Swallows expressed
their profound discontent regarding these unfounded claims. “Mbabane Swallows
have noted with dismay allegations that the current President of the
Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr Patrice Motsepe, was involved in
logistical arrangements preceding the CAF match between Mbabane Swallows and
Mamelodi Sundowns.”
The press release categorically asserted that these allegations are entirely
baseless. “There was no interaction between Dr. Motsepe and Mbabane Swallows
at any point—before, during, or after the match against Mamelodi Sundowns.
During the preparation of all logistics necessary for the club to honour its CAF
match against Mamelodi Sundowns, the club was supported by the relevant
governing bodies and stadium managers of the match venue.”
The club further elucidated the rationale behind their decision to utilise the
Lucas Moripe Stadium for the CAF match. Given its proximity to Eswatini, the
Mbombela Stadium (also the home venue for the national team) in Mpumalanga was
initially intended for the second leg against Mamelodi Sundowns; however, it was
regrettably unavailable on the match date. Swallows highlighted that, following
this development, the economical booking costs of the Lucas Moripe Stadium
represented a judicious choice, as it is three times less expensive than the
Mbombela Stadium.