‘D4D’ DOUBTFUL FOR ZESCO CLASH

MBABANE – Want-away Mbabane Swallows midfielder Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu is doubtful for the capital city giants’ decisive clash against Zambia’s Zesco United on Saturday.

The red and white ensemble face the Zambians in a must-win CAF Champions League clash at Mavuso Sports Centre at 3pm. While ‘D4D’ is still staying away from the club’s activities, newly-signed grafter Xolani ‘Papi’ Sikhondze is yet to be registered with the continental football body.

Swallows were away in Mhlume for preparatory matches between Saturday and Sunday, but ‘D4D’ did not take part in the games. He is said to be trying to force a move to South Africa’s National First Division side Mbombela United.

“He (‘D4D’) sometimes shows up at the Club House, but does not take part in any of the activities. Talks with management are yet to yield the desired results,” said a well-informed insider.

 It could not be immediately ascertained what was causing the delay in registering ‘Papi’, who was signed from Mbabane Citizens. He impressed on debut during the recently-ended Eswatini Telecom Charity Cup, where he played both matches for the champions.

Swallows General Manager Sandile Zwane said the team forwarded all the necessary paperwork to the continental football body to facilitate the registration of ‘Papi’ and they were crossing their fingers to have the player available for the game.

“D4D’s case is being handled at management level and will issue a statement when the time is right,” he said.

Meanwhile, Player of the Season Mandla Palma, who got injured in the Charity Cup is said to be on the road to full recovery after starting light training late last week. He missed the Mhlume practice matches, but could be available for the crunch fixture.

Swallows, who are a point shy of the qualification spot in Group D of the CAF Champions League, need all the points to stay in the hunt of a historic quarter-final berth.  They also pray for Etoile du Sahel to do them a favour against second-placed Club Desportivo of Angola. The game between Etoile and the Angolans will be played on the same day at 9pm.
Zesco, on the other hand, is expected in Eswatini on Thursday.

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