SANDILE FLIES WITH ‘BIRDS’ AGAIN

MBABANE – There is no place like home.

This is the story of Mbabane Swallows veteran striker Sandile ‘Shoeshine’ Hlatjwako, who is reportedly back with the Caleb Ngwenya-coached side. The former national team galloping striker has signed a one-year deal with Umkhonto KaShaka. Hlatjwako was allegedly released after his contract expired on May 30, 2024. The former Malanti Chiefs lanky forward was one of the long-serving players in the Swallows team, having joined the team about a decade ago from Tambankulu Callies (now Red Rhinos), before he was put on ice by the reigning MTN Premier League champions.

A source close to the ‘Birds’ revealed that ‘Shoe shine’ is back with the red and white capital city giants, as he was part of training, this past Tuesday.“I can confirm that Mhayise (Sandile) is back, as he has started training with the team on Tuesday in preparations for the upcoming matches. What I have gathered is that he has signed a one-year deal,” the source said. The source, however, was quick to highlight that the team was working around the clock to register the ahead of the first window registration deadline, tomorrow.

Hlatjwako confirmed that he was back with the country’s TotalEnergies Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League envoys. Swallows have a date with South Africa’s Betway Premiership side Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, in the second leg of the two-legged preliminary round. The Kwakhe Tfwala-captained outfit are going to this match with a four-goal deficit, following a 0-4 setback at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, this past Saturday. “Yes it is true that I’m back. I started training yesterday (Tuesday),” the galloping striker said.
He also revealed that he had not signed on the dotted line for the ‘Beautiful Birds’ of Mbabane, as he was yet to meet the management to discuss that matter.

“I will be signing, later today,” he added. Meanwhile, Swallows Public Relations Officer (PRO) Knowledge ‘Bhambo’ Ngwenya confirmed that the player was back with the team.
“It’s correct that he is back, but he is not eligible to play in CAF games as the registration closed on August 30, 2024,” Ngwenya said.
The defending champions are yet to start their league defence. They are set to face Madlenya in Big Bend, next Wednesday.

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