By Sibusiso Masilela
Former Mbabane Highlanders attacking midfielder Tony ‘Ben 10’ Machacha has found a new home at cross-town rivals Mbabane Swallows in the new 2023/24 season.
The South African international arrived in the country on Monday afternoon to start training with the ‘Beautiful Birds’ under the watchful eye of Caleb Ngwenya. The former Ally Tigers player was recently released by the ‘Black Bull’ together with Lesotho international Tshwarelo Bereng and Banele ‘Stiga’ Ndzabandzaba after spending three seasons with the black and white ensemble.
He was part of the Highlanders squad that competed in the 2022 CAF Confederation Cup. A source within the Mbabane Swallows confirmed the player’s presence in their camp.
“Machacha will start training on Tuesday and is likely to be signed before the end of the week as we are on a mission of beefing up the squad for the new season. He is an experienced player who will add depth and experience,” the source said.
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Swallows Public Relations Officer (PRO) Knowledge Ngwenya could not be reached for comment at the time of compiling this report. Machacha is likely to join the likes of Vusumuzi Zungu and Thabiso Mokenkoane in the list of South African players to have joined Swallows from Highlanders if he eventually signs a contract at the red and white glamour-side.
Swallows will take on newcomers Illovo in the Trade Fair Cup clash slated for September 4 at Mavuso Sports Centre. Swallows recently lost the services of Congolese defender Kingu Pemba, Bushir Mutanda (Uganda) and Kabia Mohammed (Sierra Leone).
