FOLLOWING MORE TWISTS, TURNS: ‘BIRDS’ OUT IN THE COLD

MBABANE – A new twist has emerged in the ongoing saga surrounding Mbabane Swallows’ leadership.

After the purported official handover of the club by the outgoing management committee (MC), led by Acting President Absalom Ngwenya, to Princess Lungile, it has now come to light that the leadership under the latter has declined the offer to accept the team. This has left the club in a precarious position, devoid of directorship, as both parties have submitted formal letters; the outgoing committee signalling their departure, while Princess Lungile, through legal representatives, has indicated her refusal to take on the responsibilities. Consequently, the upcoming match against Royal Leopard, scheduled for this Saturday at Mavuso Sports Centre, is now shrouded in uncertainty, lacking any oversight as things currently stand.

During a press conference at Thokoza Church Centre, three days ago, Ngwenya asserted that they had officially handed over the club to Princess Lungile. However, a letter addressed to this publication contradicts this claim, stating that she will not accept the team unless it is free of debt. This correspondence was also shared with the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) and the Eswatini Football Association (EFA).

“Please be advised that we are acting on behalf of HRH Princess Lungile (Mrs. Gamedze), our client. Our client has noted your queries regarding Mbabane Swallows and offers the following response,” the letter, penned by M. Hlophe and Associates, dated yesterday, read. “Our client reminds you of your correspondence dated August 2, 2024, in which you indicated that Mbabane Swallows FC comprises a management committee consisting of Mr Absalom A. Ngwenya (Acting Director), Mr Sandile Zwane (Governor) and Mr Welile Mabuza (Chairman).”

Conform

The letter goes on to assert that there was no official handover to Mbabane Swallows FC (Pty) Ltd. “Our client asserts that what has been characterised as a handover does not conform to the requisite standards of an official transfer. It is imperative that all stakeholders understand that the aforementioned association is in a state of failure and cannot fulfil its financial obligations.”Princess Lungile emphasised the need for clarity, stating that the company established by the late Victor Gamedze will not inherit any liabilities or financial responsibilities associated with the ailing association. “Our client distances herself from all dealings related to the association. Consequently, since there was no official handover, the appropriate contacts regarding the association remain those officially recorded by the Premier League of Eswatini.”

Outgoing MC Chairman Mabuza stated that they have dispatched a letter to the PLE, confirming that the club is now under the leadership of Princess Lungile, following the handover meeting on Monday at Thokoza Church Centre. “In fact, the takeover was validated by her legal representative, Mduduzi Hlophe, after the meeting,” he added. The letter sent to the PLE by the outgoing management committee emphasised that, effective yesterday (November  25, 2024), Mbabane Swallows FC officially falls under Princess Lungile’s stewardship.

“This follows the handover of Mbabane Swallows FC on November 25, 2024 to Princess Lungile, against a backdrop in which the Princess demanded ownership of the club,” the letter states. The correspondence also noted that Princess Lungile would assume the position of chairperson/president of the club.“Furthermore, Princess Lungile will liaise with the office of the Premier League of Eswatini to appoint and announce her management committee. She will, therefore, be responsible for all assets and liabilities of Mbabane Swallows FC effective from November 25, 2024,” another section of the letter indicated.

Informed

Additionally, the outgoing management committee informed the PLE that the office is free to engage with Princess Lungile regarding correspondences, processes and documentation that need to be completed and submitted to the PLE. PLE Acting Chief Executive Officer Pat Vilakati acknowledged receipt of the letter from the outgoing management committee, but noted he was yet to receive any communication from Princess Lungile’s representative, despite confirmation from her representatives that they had also submitted correspondences to both the PLE and EFA. Swallows struggled to play against Rangers, last weekend, due to player protests over unpaid salaries, with the squad ultimately honouring the match after being compensated with E2 000 each.

Interestingly, according to statements from outgoing Acting President Ngwenya, they were leaving the team due to unworkable conditions, claiming that other factions were allegedly inciting players to boycott matches, complicating their ability to manage the team effectively. Currently, Swallows lead the MTN Premier League standings with 19 points, closely followed by Green Mamba. The ‘Birds’ clinched the league title last season and qualified for the CAF Champions League, where they narrowly missed out on earning E7 million for group stages after being eliminated by South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns.

They also reached the finals of the prestigious Ingwenyama Cup, where they were bested by Green Mamba, missing out on the E1.4 million first prize. Globally, this is not an isolated case. This fractious situation is reminiscent of an earlier change in management when the venerable Chairman Harold Grayson opted to step aside, passing the reins to a new consortium eager to revive the club’s fortunes.

Phoenix Holdings, comprising former footballers and savvy businesspeople, had grand ambitions to restore Riverside FC to its former glory, pledging to modernise the stadium, invest in youth academies and reignite fan passion. However, in a shocking turn of events, mere hours after Grayson’s announcement, Phoenix Holdings released a statement, declining the offer, despite their initial enthusiasm, citing concerns over the club’s escalating debt and the inherent risks of assuming control.

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