DEN OFF THE MARK!

MBABANE – The ongoing global lockdown caused by the deadly coronavirus has put Eswatini duo’s dream move to Europe on hold.

The deal which is facilitated by former FIFA agent Victor McDonald was to see two Eswatini youngsters Lwethu Simelane and Mxolisi Tsabedze currently in Slovekia sign for an unnamed top Danish side in a deal worth E12 million. Each player was expected to rake in E3 million in signing-on-fees coupled with a monthly salary of E100 000.

Theplayer’s clubs, Manzini Sundowns and Vovovo FC were to receive close to E3 million each. McDonald, who biggest deals were taking former Super Falcons and four-time African Women Footballer of The Year, Perpetua Nkwocha to Sunnanå SK of Sweden and ex-Super Eagles’ right-back, Paul Obiefule to FF Viborg of Denmark, admitted that COVID-19 has caused a setback for him in his latest deals.

However, while revealing details of the said deal for the Eswatini duo, the source added that the agent is not allowing the situation weigh him down, but has already enthused that things will get back on track once the pandemic fades away.

The credible source added that the players’ agent, who was also responsible for the deal that took Abiola Dauda to FF Kalmar of Denmark, is staying upbeat that his plans for the Swazi duo of Lwethu Simelane and Mcolisi Tsabedze will see the light of day after coronavirus eventually abates all over the world.
The source further disclosed that the two players who are currently stuck in Slovakia, where they were on transit en route to Denmark, before the COVID-19 stalemate set it in.

The source revealed: “Two Eswatini players who were on the verge of signing for a Danish club before the coronavirus pandemic (are waiting for their chance to finally begin their contracts).

“Their names are Lwethu Simelane, 22 years, a Eswatini youth national team goalkeeper (with) Denver Sundowns. The second one is an attacking midfielder, Mxolisi Tsabedze (who) plays for Vovovo o which plays in the National First Division,” said the source.

“There is a deal, which they should have signed in February from a club side in Denmark that has offered a two-year contract to Lwethu. It is worth close to E3 million to Sundowns and close to E3 million for the player which was supposed to start in February 2020 until January 2022,” said the source.

Deal

“The deal for Mxolisi is close to E6 million of which E3 million will go to Vovovo and E3 million to the player, also in a two-year contract. They were supposed to sign the contracts in February. They have been waiting for the club to make an announcement, but they are delaying due to the coronavirus,” said the source.
“They were supposed to sign before the lockdown. They moved to Slovakia to wait, because there are few cases (of coronavirus infections) in Slovakia than in Denmark. They are still there (waiting for coronavirus to end, then move to Denmark).”

When McDonald was eventually tracked down for confirmation of the development and his comments on the situations affecting both players, Macdonald played coy, as he parried any worries over the matter, yet served a strong hint that he was involved in the deal, which he said was only meant to lend a helping hand to talents in need.

Macdonald responded curtly, saying: “How did you get the story? Well, as a man of God, I have to be sincere with you. I am aware that the boys went for trials. I’m also aware that the two clubs are satisfied with their performances,” said McDonald.

“The deal was about to be concluded with their clubs in Eswatini in February, before the coronavirus lockdown. We are still waiting for a word from Denmark. So, let’s wait and see what happens after the lockdown.”

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