MOROCCO, TANZANIA OFFERS FOR BIRDS’ KINGU

MBABANE – Mbabane Swallows look set to be without two of their key stars in the upcoming 2022/23 season.

According to impeccable sources within the red and white Umkhonto KaShaka, out of contract central defender Kingu Pemba has attracted two offers from North African countries, namely Morocco (Renaissance sportive de Berkane) and Tanzania (Young African).  The former Denver Sundowns central defender played more than 90 per cent of Swallows games since arrival two seasons ago. It has been established that he has two offers from beyond the borders after impressing scouts who monitored his performance in the past season.

Information

The scouts were said to be collecting information on the player and talks had already begun. The other player is Togolese defensive midfielder Seidou Baba Blandja, who is said to be ‘70 per cent close’ to a deal with a top Tanzanian side Namungu FC. It is anticipated that an agent representing the player travels to Eswatini on Wednesday to discuss the offer with Swallows who have first preference to re-sign the defender. His agent, Alimasi ‘Adebayor’ bin Saleh, said it was true that some teams in North Africa had shown interest in Kingu. “I have been approached by Tanzania and Morocco teams for the services of the player in question. I will be coming to Eswatini on Wednesday for some other business related deals. To be precise, RS Berkane and Young Africans’ officials have reached out to me to inquire about a good defender and I had Kingu in mind,” said Saleh. He, however, said Swallows would always come first. “We will have to consider Swallows offer first before we consider the North African offers,” he said.

Interest

Meanwhile, Eswatini FIFA-accredited agent Dingane Maduma affirmed Blandja’s interest from Tanzania. “My counterpart from Tanzania reached out to me inquiring about the services of the player. Blandja was highly recommended by former Mbabane Swallows Coach Honour Janza,” Maduma said. He said the Togolese defensive midfielder is expected to fly to Tanzania for medical checkup next week or soon after. Swallows Marketing and Communications Manager Mancoba Mabuza, said the teams after the players were better positioned to comment. Blandja also played an influential role in helping the ‘Birds’ finish third in the MTN Premier League.

The midfielder has also been nominated for the MTN Supporters Player of the Season where he is competing with Mbabane Highlanders and Sihlangu striker Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa, Royal Leopard’s Junior Magagula, Swallows’ Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko to mention a few.

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