‘MBABANE DERBY’ IN COURT, AS: ‘BIRDS’ SUE ‘BULL’ OVER ‘PUPU’

MBABANE - In an unprecedented move, Mbabane Swallows Football Club have taken their arch-rivals, Mbabane Highlanders, to court.

In summons filed at the High Court of Eswatini, Swallows are demanding the payment of E40 000, which is said to be a balance due for the transfer of gifted winger Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze. Through Fakudze Attorneys, Swallows claimed Highlanders are failing to settle to pay, despite numerous requests. These are claims in summons whose veracity will be tested in court. Annexed to the court papers is a letter of demand dated August 20, 2024. In the letter, Swallows alleged that on or about September, they transferred Sikhondze to Highlanders on an agreed fee of E80 000.

“The terms of payment of the transfer fee of the said player were that a deposit of E40 000 be payable on or before the release of the transfer documents and that the balance of E40 000 be payable on or before June 30, 2024,” reads the letter.Swallows had given Highlanders until August 31, 2024, to make the payment. The red and white outfit want settlement on the said amount with interest calculated at nine per cent per annum on top of the costs of the application. The matter is still pending in court.

Drama

Notably, there was drama before ‘Pupu’ completed a switch to Highlanders. It started with the player handing in his resignation to the club, as he sought a move away.  He was denied by the club and hauled Swallows before the Players’ Status Committee, which ruled in the latter’s favour. Swallows then put a E150 000 initial price tag on the player after learning that their rivals were looking to sign him, which was later lowered to the agreed upon E80 000. It is worth noting that Sikhondze joined Tanzanian top division outfit Tabora United, a few months back, after leaving Highlanders. He played for one season at the ‘Black Bull’. 

He recently scored, giving his side a victory during their friendly match against Rhino Rangers.  Sikhondze already has an assist to his name as he has been part of the starting team in recent games. Earlier reports suggested that the former Sihlangu midfielder penned a lucrative deal with this outfit, as confirmed by his agent Alimasi Bin ‘Adebayor’ Saleh.

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