‘Birds’ hit by player crisis as stars exit

MBABANE – A cause for concern!

This is the grim reality for MTN Premier League giants Mbabane Swallows, who are facing an escalating exodus of key players ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The red-and-white capital city ensemble has already lost goalkeeper Bongiswa ‘Romario’ Dlamini to arch-rivals Mbabane Highlanders and veteran midfielder Nhlanhla Ngwenya to CAF-bound Green Mamba.

Former national team Sihlangu star Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala has reportedly switched to Manzini Sea Birds. Meanwhile, on Thursday night, the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Players’ Status Committee (PSC) cleared promising striker Njongo ‘Jakalazi’ Mazibuko as a free agent.

The former Red Rhinos forward is reportedly on his way to back-to-back MTN Premier League champions Nsingizini Hotspurs.

Also appearing before the PSC was another Umkhonto KaShaka player, Bongi ‘Karas’ Magagula, whose matter was postponed to August 19, 2026.

Furthermore, a source close to Swallows revealed that defender Fred Asante has taken the club to the PSC over alleged contract breaches and outstanding financial obligations. According to the source, the former Amawele player’s agent, Michael Nyantakyi, has indicated that the matter could escalate to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if his client does not receive the required redress through the PSC.

The effects of these departures were evident during the recent Pigg’s Peak Clean-Up Campaign pre-season tournament at Killarney Sports Ground, where Swallows suffered a 2–1 defeat to South African side KaMhlushwa Real Madrid.

The ‘Birds’ were forced to navigate the tournament without several senior figures in their line-up, including first-choice goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela, Fred Asante, Lizwe Dlamini, Nhlanhla Ngwenya, Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala, Njongo Mazibuko and Bongi ‘Karas’ Magagula.

This squad depletion prompted head Coach Sindiso Gama to field a heavily altered side dominated by trialists. Standout potential recruits featured during the tourney included former Baroka FC entertainer Mthokozisi ‘Dancing Confidence’ Ngcobo, Malanti Chiefs goalkeeper Bongiswa ‘Khune’ Dlamini, lethal Mangwanyana striker and MulaSport National Division top scorer Phiwokwakhe ‘Shalulile’ Matsebula (who netted 20 goals last season), alongside former Kwaluseni Rebels player Muzi ‘Kalito’ Thobela.

Experienced campaigners such as Ncono Gina, Mancoba ‘Nciba’ Vilakati, Celso, and Melusi Dlamini also featured to anchor the fresh faces. Justifying his decision to parade trialists, Coach Gama emphasised that the pre-season fixture was not result-oriented but served as a crucial opportunity to assess prospective signings ahead of the new campaign.

Speaking yesterday, co-Coach Mduduzi ‘Sikhalo’ Nxumalo acknowledged that the club is undergoing a comprehensive rebuilding phase. “Players come and go, but talent will always be there. We are assessing players and will sign those we believe can help us. We will regroup and fix things here and there because we are rebuilding.

“If you look at the best teams, they also go through rebuilding processes. Rebuilding does not guarantee that you will win the league immediately, but once you have regrouped well, you can compete for the title again.

“It is difficult to say how many years it will take to fully regroup, as we have not yet signed all the players we want,” Nxumalo explained.

Addressing the situation, EFA Technical Director (TD) Bhekisisa ‘Bizzah’ Mkhonta noted that rebuilding a club of Swallows’ magnitude inevitably comes with immense pressure for immediate results.

“It is tougher because there is constant pressure for results. They have to do their best in recruiting quality players, as a team of Swallows’ level is strictly result-oriented,” Mkhonta said.

“Even if they bring in young players and give them an opportunity, it will be difficult for them to compete for the title right away.

“One key element that can sustain them is securing their finances as a club. They must unite and figure out how to retain their core talent. Even when they previously won the league, losing key players subsequently hampered their ability to defend the title.”

Apart from the players, Swallows lost Head Coach Caleb ‘No Nonsense’ Ngwenya and physical trainer Siza ‘King Pele’ Dlamini to Ezulwini United and Ubombo Sugar, respectively.