‘Birds’ Pty (Ltd) faction invades Sigwaca House

by Sibusiso Masilela

The Mbabane Swallows ownership wrangle has taken a new twist.

The Swallows Pty (Ltd) faction stormed the Sigwaca House on Tuesday, demanding answers from the Eswatini Football Association and Premier League of Eswatini.

The attempt of the Pty (Ltd) faction hit a snag as they did not meet both EFA and PLE representatives, who were reportedly held up by other work commitments.

The Princess Lungile-led regime wants to repossess the team from the Swallows FC faction led by former Elders Chairman Absalom Ngwenya.

The aggrieved faction representative, Bhekithemba Ginindza, said they want the two football bodies to facilitate the handover of the team back to them.

“We humbly request the Eswatini Football Association and PLE to facilitate a meeting with the other faction. This will enable the smooth handover of the team back to us as it was agreed last season,” he said.

Ginindza further stated that they will now take the legal route since the matter has not been addressed.

“We have no choice but to take the legal route since the football authorities are not taking us seriously. Our lawyer John Hlophe is working on the matter,” he said.

EFA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frederick Mngomezulu could not comment on the matter when compiling this report after his cell phone rang unanswered.
Attempts were also made to get PLE CEO Pat Vilakati, but his cell phone rang unanswered.
Swallows FC Public Relations Officer (PRO) Knowledge Ngwenya was also not reached for comment as his cell phone rang unanswered.

EFA recently endorsed the newly formed Arbitration Committee that will address football disputes in a bid to avoid taking football matters to court.