‘BIRDS’ TO HOST SA TEAM

MBABANE – Mbabane Swallows have intensified their preparations for the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Champions League by participating in a pre-season tournament scheduled for next month.

At a media briefing held at Sigwaca House yesterday morning, Mbabane Swallows Governor Sandile ‘Beyond 2000’Zwane disclosed that the team would be participating in a pre-season tournament on  July 6, 2024, in collaboration with Blue Crane, a South Africa-based side that is set to feature in the South African National First Division (NFD) next month. The South African side was led by Director Thokozani Mkhatshwa. Along with Blue Crane, the pre-season tournament will feature Sidwashini United, formerly Seven Dreams, represented by Director Melizwe Mamba, and Illovo FC, represented by their Head Coach, Zwelibanzi ‘Botsotso’ Khoza. Mbabane Swallows’ Legal Officer, Welile Mabuza, who was present at the media briefing, expressed the club’s satisfaction with the newly-formed relationship with Blue Crane, a new club in South Africa. Mabuza commented the positive impact of this collaboration on the Swallows’ pre-season preparations.

“I would like to share some exciting news with our supporters. We have collaborated with Blue Crane, a South Africa-based team, to participate in a pre-season tournament on July 6, 2024. The tournament will be attended by Blue Crane, Mbabane Swallows, Sidwashini United and Illovo FC. Although the location of the tournament is not confirmed yet, Blue Crane’s chairman has informed us that they will be bringing over 10 buses for the event,” he said. Zwane, on the other hand, revealed that the club would receive financial assistance from Blue Crane as they prepare for the upcoming CAF Champions League.

Supportive

“This will be the second time Blue Crane has come to our country, and we are delighted to have such supportive partners, who not only contribute to our player development, but also provide financial assistance to the team. Their support will help us reach new heights in our pursuit of success. While we cannot share the details of our agreement, we can assure our supporters that Blue Crane is committed to helping us financially,” he said. Meanwhile, director of Blue Crane Thokozani Mkhatshwa, who was the main speaker at the event, preferred to keep his comments brief, stating that the public should keep an eye on Mbabane Swallows next season. While he did not provide further details, he emphasised the importance of the partnership between the two teams.

“We are aware of the late Victor Gamedze’s passion for Mbabane Swallows and his contributions to the team’s success. Unfortunately, the current state of football is such that the sport is often loved by people who lack the financial means to invest in it, while those who have the resources to support it often neglect to do so. As partners with Mbabane Swallows, we want to assure the team’s supporters that we will do our best to restore the success and glory that the team enjoyed under the late Gamedze,” he said.

Annual

Mkhwatshwa continued his address by announcing that the tournament between Blue Crane and Mbabane Swallows would become an annual event, taking place in both Eswatini and South Africa. He also recognised Illovo FC’s coach, Zwelibanzi ‘Botsotso’ Khoza, as a knowledgeable coach, praising his contributions to the team and to the sport. While the tournament is yet to be given a title and the participation fee is still under discussion, significant progress is being made with regard to logistics.

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