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IN AN UNEXPECTED MOVE: OUT OWUSU, IN BLANDJA AT ‘BIRDS’

24/09/2024 08:04:00 Mengameli Mabuza

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MBABANE – Mbabane Swallows have reportedly terminated the contract of midfielder Emmanuel Owusu, just days before the team’s first match in the MTN Premier League, tomorrow.

This publication previously reported in June that Owusu, a highly-rated midfielder, who joined Swallows from Mbabane Highlanders on a one-year deal, was expected to make a significant impact on the team. The move, which came after the player’s contract expired at Highlanders, was seen as a coup for Umkhonto KaShaka, who were eager to bolster their midfield. However, the recent news of his contract termination is sure to have surprised many, as the midfielder was widely considered to be a key part of Swallows’ plans for the 2024/2025 MTN Premier League season.

Prior to his contract termination, the versatile midfielder had made his official debut for Mbabane Swallows during the Mpumalanga Premier’s International Cup, but subsequently found himself sidelined by injuries, preventing him from participating in key fixtures such as the CAF Champions League matches against Clube Ferroviário da Beira and Mamelodi Sundowns.
These setbacks proved to be a significant blow for the player and the club, as Owusu’s absence on the pitch was felt throughout the early stages of the season.

According to sources within the capital city giants, Owusu’s tenure with the club has been cut short, as the team management decided to end his contract. “The situation with Emmanuel Owusu is truly sad for the team. We had high hopes for him as a player, but unfortunately, he has been hampered by a chronic knee injury that refuses to heal. Despite our best efforts to support his recovery, the injury proved to be a persistent obstacle to his performance on the field. This ultimately led us to make the difficult decision to terminate his contract, which was a painful but necessary step for the team to move forward,” the source said.

The mystery surrounding Emmanuel Owusu’s departure from Swallows was only further heightened when he declined to comment on the matter, stating that he had nothing to say.
“I don’t know why I should comment on something I don’t know,” he said. Upon further investigation, it was revealed to this publication that the defensive midfielder, was reportedly offered E30 000 as compensation for the termination of his contract. According to the information received, the team was prepared to pay E20 000 upfront, with the remaining E10 000 to be paid next month.

Meanwhile, another source within the Caleb ‘No Nonsense’ Ngwenya-led side also disclosed to this publication that the team already identified a replacement for Owusu in the form of Seidou ‘Keita’ Blandja. It is reported that Blandja, known for his versatility on the field, has signed a one-year renewal deal with the current 2024/2025 league champions, in a move that is expected to bolster the team’s midfield options. The deal was reportedly finalised this past Friday night. “Blanja is officially a Mbabane Swallows player and he will arrive in the country, tomorrow, “the source said.

Keita, in a phone interview with this publication, affirmed that he had indeed returned to Swallows for the upcoming season. “I am very excited to be back with Mbabane Swallows. I will do my best to contribute to the team’s continued success,” he said. ‘Keita’ had joined the 2023/24 MTN Premier League champions during 2020/21 season, signing from then PLE elite side Mhlume Peacemakers and left the club to join Namungo FC in the Tanzanian Premier League, in a deal facilitated by Eswatini FIFA-accredited agent Dingane Maduma.

The versatile Togolese player left the Caleb ‘No Nonsense’ Ngwenya side after not renewing his contract at the beginning of the 2021/22 season, along with, box-to-box midfielder Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu, who also left to join Green Mamba. Swallows Public Relations Officer (PRO) Knowledge Ngwenya was said to be in a meeting when sought for comment. When called later, he said he was yet to be updated on the latest developments.