NO END IN ‘BIRDS’ FACTIONALISM AS: SWALLOWS FC SUSPEND NEW TASK TEAM

MBABANE – It is far from over.

This is the story of capital city giants Mbabane Swallows Football Club (FC) management, that has suspended several members of the task team, which was reportedly formed by the faction under Chairperson Princess Lungile. There are two entities at Swallows – the football club and the company under the princess. This publication reported earlier last week, that a new task team had been formed and it included some of the team’s legends. The three prominent candidates slated for top positions within the newly-formed task team were Tony Tsabedze, Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko and Jackson Dlamini.

Disciplinary

However, in a turn of events, some of the task team members in question will now be subject to a disciplinary hearing. In a press statement released yesterday afternoon on the club’s official Facebook page, Mbabane Swallows confirmed the suspension of selected task team members, effective immediately. “The following perpetrators; Enock Nkosi, Cyprian Ginindza, Bongani Dlamini, Mduduzi Msane, Khaya Vilakati and Sibusiso Gwebu have been suspended with immediate effect (pending appearance before the DC), from engaging in any and all activities, within which they may be seen to be representing  team, including making media statements as well as attending all Mbabane Swallows FC matches.

“Failure to appear to the disciplinary committee (DC) shall be taken as a waiver of their right to be heard, and the DC shall proceed with the disciplinary hearing in their absence,” reads part of the statement. In addition to the announcement of the suspensions, Swallows’ team management under Acting President Absalom Ngwenya further revealed the formation of DC, a development, which the club hoped would serve to safeguard the interests of its diverse array of stakeholders, including players, staff and supporters  alike. “The DC will serve to protect the club and its stakeholders from acts of intimidation and harassment and will mete out necessary punishment related to disorderly conduct, and other such conduct as may be found to bring the club into disrepute,” revealed the statement.

Among the members of the newly-formed disciplinary committee tasked with preserving the integrity of Umkhonto KaShaka and its stakeholders, former Member of Parliament (MP) Robert Magongo stands out as a prominent figure. The committee, charged with investigating and addressing any incidents of intimidation, harassment or disorderly behaviour that may reflect poorly on the club, is expected to act with impartiality and a strong sense of justice in order to safeguard the interests and reputation of the team. The Secretary to the Elders, Enock Nkosi, in response to being called in for a disciplinary hearing by the club, said the Management Committee of Mbabane Swallows FC was out of order. “How can the Management Committee claim the authority to act independently, without acknowledging the broader structures of the club and the rights of the individuals involved?” he inquired.

Grievances

Nkosi affirmed that his grievances were not driven by a desire to incite conflict or undermine the club, but rather to secure a clear and definitive statement from the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) regarding the ownership and administration of Mbabane Swallows FC.“Our aim is not to engage in a battle with anyone, but rather to achieve transparency and resolution in this matter,” he asserted. Acting President Ngwenya asserted that the individuals alleged to have engaged in misconduct will be notified of their impending disciplinary hearing, scheduled to take place next week.

“We expect full cooperation and participation in this process, and any refusal to do so will be met with the utmost seriousness. Those who fail to present themselves for the hearing will be dismissed from the club without delay,” he said. In a detailed statement, management of Swallows FC conceded that two entities were in existence at the club, but claimed all assets of the company (Swallows Pty (Ltd) were left in the ownership of Princess Lungile. “Princess Lungile had previously asked to take a break from club activities. “It has taken the club more or less seven years to reach its current level, after a major rebuilding phase ,” reads the statement in part.

Independently

Meanwhile, PLE Chairman Polycarp Dlamini this past Saturday, said Swallows needed to put its house in order independently. Notably,  the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) earlier shared similar sentiments.  “They must get an arbitrator to help them resolve their differences. If they wish for our assistance, we’re more than ready to help as the PLE and we could even involve the Eswatini Football Association,” Dlamini said.  He also noted that the PLE currently recognised the existing structure of the team. The incumbent ‘Birds’ government is the one led by Acting President Ngwenya. Dlamini said it was the legal structure that is in the documents of the team with them.
(Additional information by Nimrod Hlophe)

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