CAF CL: ‘BIRDS’ DISMISS MOTSEPE SUPPORT CLAIMS

MBABANE – Capital city side Mbabane Swallows have unequivocally rejected allegations of receiving support from Mamelodi Sundowns.

This denial comes in response to a surge of speculation circulating on social media, which insinuates that the Eswatini team’s humiliating 8-0 defeat was orchestrated through complimentary accommodation, stadium access and refreshments. Following Sundowns’ resounding victory over Swallows with an aggregate score of 8-0, they advanced to the group stages of the TotalEnergies-sponsored tournament. The two-legged matches took place on September 14 and 21. The allegations were particularly ignited by the fact that Swallows utilised Lucas Moripe Stadium as their home venue, which is also the home ground of Sundowns. This arrangement resulted in both legs being contested at a single venue, the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

In a statement released via their social media platforms, Swallows expressed their profound discontent regarding these unfounded claims. “Mbabane Swallows have noted with dismay allegations that the current President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr Patrice Motsepe, was involved in logistical arrangements preceding the CAF match between Mbabane Swallows and Mamelodi Sundowns.”

The press release categorically asserted that these allegations are entirely baseless. “There was no interaction between Dr. Motsepe and Mbabane Swallows at any point—before, during, or after the match against Mamelodi Sundowns. During the preparation of all logistics necessary for the club to honour its CAF match against Mamelodi Sundowns, the club was supported by the relevant governing bodies and stadium managers of the match venue.”

The club further elucidated the rationale behind their decision to utilise the Lucas Moripe Stadium for the CAF match. Given its proximity to Eswatini, the Mbombela Stadium (also the home venue for the national team) in Mpumalanga was initially intended for the second leg against Mamelodi Sundowns; however, it was regrettably unavailable on the match date. Swallows highlighted that, following this development, the economical booking costs of the Lucas Moripe Stadium represented a judicious choice, as it is three times less expensive than the Mbombela Stadium.

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