Times Of Swaziland: SANDILE FLIES WITH ‘BIRDS’ AGAIN

SANDILE FLIES WITH ‘BIRDS’ AGAIN
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Machawe Fakudze on 19/09/2024 07:52:00


MBABANE – There is no place like home.
This is the story of Mbabane Swallows veteran striker Sandile ‘Shoeshine’
Hlatjwako, who is reportedly back with the Caleb Ngwenya-coached side. The
former national team galloping striker has signed a one-year deal with Umkhonto
KaShaka. Hlatjwako was allegedly released after his contract expired on May 30,
2024. The former Malanti Chiefs lanky forward was one of the long-serving
players in the Swallows team, having joined the team about a decade ago from
Tambankulu Callies (now Red Rhinos), before he was put on ice by the reigning
MTN Premier League champions.
A source close to the ‘Birds’ revealed that ‘Shoe shine’ is back with
the red and white capital city giants, as he was part of training, this past
Tuesday.“I can confirm that Mhayise (Sandile) is back, as he has started
training with the team on Tuesday in preparations for the upcoming matches. What
I have gathered is that he has signed a one-year deal,” the source said. The
source, however, was quick to highlight that the team was working around the
clock to register the ahead of the first window registration deadline, tomorrow.
Hlatjwako confirmed that he was back with the country’s TotalEnergies
Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League envoys. Swallows have a
date with South Africa’s Betway Premiership side Mamelodi Sundowns on
Saturday, in the second leg of the two-legged preliminary round. The Kwakhe
Tfwala-captained outfit are going to this match with a four-goal deficit,
following a 0-4 setback at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, this past Saturday. “Yes
it is true that I’m back. I started training yesterday (Tuesday),” the
galloping striker said.
He also revealed that he had not signed on the dotted line for the ‘Beautiful
Birds’ of Mbabane, as he was yet to meet the management to discuss that
matter.
“I will be signing, later today,” he added. Meanwhile, Swallows Public
Relations Officer (PRO) Knowledge ‘Bhambo’ Ngwenya confirmed that the player
was back with the team.
“It’s correct that he is back, but he is not eligible to play in CAF games
as the registration closed on August 30, 2024,” Ngwenya said.
The defending champions are yet to start their league defence. They are set to
face Madlenya in Big Bend, next Wednesday.