Times Of Swaziland: ‘Dazza’ demand clearance

‘Dazza’ demand clearance
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BY NTUTHUKO DLAMINI  on 15/05/2013 02:54:00


MBABANE – Treble champions, Mbabane Swallows’ bitter sweet relationship with
fiery winger, Darren ‘Dazza’ Christie reached breaking point on Monday when
the blonde-haired winger demanded his clearance from the club.
Christie wrote a letter to the team management requesting to be given his
clearance to join a team of his choice. He is the only senior player who has not
signed a new contract with the club. His current contract with the ‘Birds’
ends in July.
This comes at the height of Swallows players boycotting training in protest of
the SwaziBank Cup incentives ahead of the MTN League derby against the relegated
Mbabane Highlanders on Sunday. Swallows lost the game 5-1.
According to an informed source at Swallows, the Sihlangu player, who has
refused to renew his contract with the team, wrote a letter demanding his
clearance on Monday. However, on the other hand the team is reportedly on a
mission to off-load a number of senior players for alleged misconduct which
includes Christie, striker Mfanafuthi ‘Taribo’ Bhembe and goalkeeper Ephraim
Mazarura.
“Darren has made up his mind about not extending his stay with the team as he
has formally requested for his free clearance. However, the team has not yet
responded to the player’s letter,” a source said.
Christie asked not to comment as he said he does not to discuss his matters with
the team in public. But, he did confirm that he has not renewed his contract
with Swallows.
“I don’t want to deal with this matter in the public domain as that is very
unprofessional,” he said.
Swallows CEO Sibusiso Manana said he was not in a position to comment as he had
not seen the letter from the player.
The player is linked with a move to Manzini Sundowns next season while striker
‘Taribo’ has an offer with South African first division side Sivutsa.
Swallows have been able to convince some of their senior players like captain
Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze, Njabulo Ndlovu, Felix Badenhorst and Bhembe to extend
their contracts for another season.
They have all received their signing-on-fees plus the winning bonus, which is
reportedly E15 000.