Home | Sports | IT’S A FIERCE BATTLE FOR TOP MIDFIELDER, AS: BULL JOIN RACE FOR BIRDS ‘TIGER’

IT’S A FIERCE BATTLE FOR TOP MIDFIELDER, AS: BULL JOIN RACE FOR BIRDS ‘TIGER’

14/06/2024 08:18:00 Mengameli Mabuza

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MBABANE – Mbabane Swallows’ traditional rivals, Mbabane Highlanders have reportedly entered the race for Sihlangu midfielder Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini.

Last week, it was reported by this publication that the gifted player had reportedly rejected a contract renewal offer from Swallows. A source within the Caleb ‘No Nonsense’ Ngwenya camp earlier shared with this publication that some players from ‘Umkhonto KaShaka’, who included ‘Tiger’, were considering various options, as they prepared for the upcoming season.

Sources close to Swallows recently shared with this publication that a couple of players were considering alternative offers before reaffirming their commitment to the red and white side. As per the source, there is a fervent pursuit for Leon Manyisa by Green Mamba, while midfield sensation ‘Tiger’ is being courted by Young Buffaloes. According to latest developments, by a close source, Highlanders have now entered the race to secure the signature of ‘Tiger’. Reports suggest that officials from ‘Inkunz’emnyama’ had a meeting with the player, conveying their interest in him joining their squad in the upcoming season.

Meeting

“Yes, we have indeed held a meeting with Neliswa Dlamini and conveyed our interest in having him joining our team for the upcoming season. Our aim is to recruit high-quality players who can help us contend for major trophies and return to continental competitions. The player has expressed willingness to join our club and we are currently negotiati

g with him. However, I cannot reveal too much information as we are aware that other clubs are also vying for his signature,” the source said.
According to a source privy to the discussion, ‘Tiger’ had a positive meeting with Highlanders officials, during which he laid out his demands for a potential transfer to the club. “Just like what he asked at Mbabane Swallows, the player conveyed his demands to the team during the discussion. Neliswa Dlamini is seeking a monthly salary of E16 000 and a signing-on fee of E70 000. The player will soon meet with the president of Mbabane Highlanders, Ally Kgomongwe, to continue negotiations,” the source said.

Reached for comment yesterday, ‘Tiger’, who recently represented the national team (Sihlangu) in the 2026 World Cup Group qualifiers against Angola and Mauritius, refused to comment on his contract negotiations. “As I am still a Mbabane Swallows player, I don’t wish to discuss my contract negotiations,” stated the midfielder. The former Manzini Wanderers player went on to express disappointment to the publication over Sihlangu’s recent two results in the World Cup qualifiers, and apologised on behalf of the team to the nation.

“We understand that the fans expected more from us, especially against Mauritius. We are disappointed in ourselves for not delivering the results our supporters deserved,” said the midfielder. Meanwhile, Swallows Public Relations Officer (PRO), Knowledge ‘Bhambo’ Ngwenya, expressed that he was yet to be informed on the recent developments concerning Neliswa Dlamini. “The last time I checked, the club was in the process of sorting through player contracts that are nearing expiration. As soon as everything is finalised, we will update you. In the meantime, I assure you that the team will make every effort to retain our best players for the forthcoming season,” he said.

Tiger signed for the Mbabane giants during the second round of the 2022/23 season after the Sihlangu midfielder, was embroiled in contractual dispute with Wanderers, and was declared a free agent by the Players Status Committee (PSC) at Sigwaca House in Mbabane early last year. The player had resolved to take the maroon and white outfit to the PSC, after allegedly not receiving his promised E30 000 signing-on fee, among other benefits.

If Neliswa Dlamini joins Highlanders, he will become the second player within a year to switch to Swallows after Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze’s move. Pupu’s transition made him the fourth former Swallows player to join Highlanders in recent times, following in the footsteps of Sibonginkhosi ‘Gudas’ Dlamini, Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa, and Xolani ‘Papi’ Sikhondze. Highlanders Public Relations Officer (PRO) Kenneth Dlamini could not be drawn for comment after his cellphone rang unanswered when called yesterday.