MBABANE – CAF-bound Green Mamba have received a timely boost following the acquisition of former Mbabane Swallows midfielder Nhlanhla Ngwenya.
The transfer comes at a crucial moment, with the deadline for player registration for the first preliminary round of the 2026/27 Confederation of African Football (CAF) inter-club competitions slated for tomorrow. Reports indicate that the midfield engine room operator has completed his move, with all paperwork officially concluded at Inyok’eluhlazane.
Ngwenya bolsters Mthunzi Ginindza’s troops ahead of their TotalEnergies Confederation of African Football (CAF) Confederation Cup clash against Clube Desportivo do Agosto, scheduled for early September. Before his continental test, he will have the opportunity to showcase his skills against either Red Rhinos or Manzini Wanderers in the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup.
Ngwenya, who still had a season remaining on his contract with the ‘Birds, was reportedly released by the capital city giants after expressing a desire to join the Correctional Services side. It is understood the player viewed the move as an opportunity to advance his career and personal future. He had purportedly tendered a resignation letter, requesting to be relieved of his Umkhonto KaShakaduties.
Green Mamba Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ntuthuko Dlamini confirmed that the player’s arrival is sealed.
“He is a Green Mamba player. We welcome him to the club and believe he will add value,” said Dlamini.
Clubs across the region are actively reinforcing their squads ahead of the new campaign. Just yesterday, Stephane Aziz Ki was reported to have joined Tanzanian giants Young Africans. Ngwenya originally joined Swallows in 2019 from Ludzeludze Killers and established himself as an important figure in the club’s midfield over the years. He becomes the latest player with a Swallows pedigree to make the switch to Green Mamba, joining the likes of Njabulo ‘D4D’ Ndlovu, Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa and Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze.
Ahead of their CAF campaign, Green Mamba have been notably proactive in the market. The club officially confirmed the arrival of former Amawele left-back Machawe Dlamini on their official Facebook page last Thursday. His addition fortifies a defensive unit that boasts fewer than five natural left-backs, including the experienced Mcolisi ‘Marcelo’ Manana.
The club also unveiled former Amawele winger Hlobisani ‘Pepper’ Maphanga. Maphanga had recently been spotted training with Nsingizini Hotspurs in Ulundi, sparking intense transfer speculation but Green Mamba have put those rumours to rest by securing his signature. He joins an attacking department that already features wide player Kwanele Shongwe.
On another note, ‘Birds’ are understood to be close to tying down their first-choice goalkeeper, Sandanezwe Mathabela.
According to close sources, an agreement over a new contract was expected to be reached. Mathabela has been linked with an exit, possibly to Pigg’s Peak Professionals, who have denied any interest in the shot-stopper. Mathabela has manned Swallows’ goal for eight years.
Last week, the goalkeeper travelled with the team for pre-season games at Killarney Sports Grounds. Reached for comment, Spokesperson Knowledge ‘Bhambo’ Ngwenya said the office responsible for players’ contracts was yet to provide a full report on the status of all players.
“I request we wait for the full report as commenting on each player may be impossible,” he said briefly.
Meanwhile, the cases of striker Njongo ‘Jakalazi’ Mazibuko and wing attacker Bongi ‘Karas’ Magagula were set to go before the Players Status Committee (PSC) yesterday evening when this article was finalised. The duo is seeking to leave the capital city giants, allegedly over the club’s failure to meet its financial obligations as Swallows continue efforts to stabilise their cash-flow situation.
Elsewhere, another former Swallows star, Ayanda Gadlela, is said to have agreed terms with Royal Leopard. The forward was reportedly part of Edwin Matsebula’s squad that left Eswatini yesterday for a pre-season training camp in Botswana. Gadlela arrives from Nsingizini Hotspurs.
However, at the time of compiling this report, Leopard General Manager Frank Hurube was yet to confirm or deny the veracity of the claims. Hurube recently told this publication that he was not currently in a position to comment on Gadlela.
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