ESWATINI football cannot afford to watch another giant fall.
This is why I humbly appeal to Archbishop Bheki Lukhele to reconsider his decision and once again extend a helping hand to Mbabane Swallows, a club whose history, stature and contribution to the local game deserve to be preserved.
The ‘Beautiful Birds’ are among the three biggest football clubs in the country and their current financial struggles are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. For months, players have reportedly gone without salaries, a situation that does not reflect well on a club of Swallows’ standing. Footballers have families to support, bills to pay and futures to secure. They deserve to be paid for their hard work and commitment to the badge they represent.
The danger is that, if this situation continues, Swallows could lose even more of their valuable players during the January transfer window. The club has already lost good players to other teams because of its inability to meet salary obligations. Losing more talent would weaken the squad and make the task of rebuilding even more difficult.
My concern, however, goes beyond Mbabane Swallows. It is about the future of Eswatini football. We cannot afford to sit back and watch our traditional giants struggle while their history and identity slowly fade away. These clubs have built loyal fan bases, created memorable moments and given our football some of its greatest players. When a giant struggles, the entire football fraternity should take notice.
I acknowledge that several clubs across the country are facing financial difficulties. The absence of reliable sponsorship has made it increasingly challenging for teams to compete at the highest level. Nevertheless, the situation at Swallows has reached a point where urgent intervention is needed. The club needs a committed financial partner as soon as possible to stabilise its operations and protect its players.
One cannot help but wonder how Swallows have managed to assemble such a promising squad despite their financial difficulties. If their performance against Moneni Pirates is anything to go by, there is clearly a team worth saving. The talent is there, the potential is there and the history is there. What is desperately needed now is the financial support to give these players the stability and confidence to compete.
Archbishop Lukhele, this is where my humble plea comes in. Man of God, please consider returning to the fold and helping the ‘Beautiful Birds’ once again. I appreciate that your previous involvement may have ended under difficult circumstances and I do not pretend to know the full extent of what happened. Whatever differences may have arisen, I sincerely hope there can be room for reflection, dialogue and where possible, forgiveness.
Your contribution to Mbabane Swallows has not been forgotten. The club continues to use the Sprinter you purchased, while your facilities have also provided a place for the team to train and camp. These are meaningful contributions that demonstrate the role you have played in supporting the club. For that, you deserve recognition and gratitude.
If you can find it in your heart to reconsider, perhaps this time around with stronger safeguards, greater accountability and a clear understanding between all parties, your return could help give Swallows a new lease on life. This is not about ignoring past mistakes but about finding a sustainable way forward that protects both your investment and the future of the club.
The same spirit of commitment is visible elsewhere in our football. Manzini Wanderers are competing in the MulaSport National First Division and many of us would love to see them return to the Premier League. They, too, deserve the support needed to rebuild and reclaim their place among the country’s leading clubs.
I also wish to acknowledge the people who continue to invest their resources in Eswatini football, including Mbabane Highlanders AM President Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize, Moneni Pirates President Thulani Xaba, Nsingizini Hotspurs President Derrick Shiba and Mbabane Black Eagles President Ally Kgomongwe.
The list also includes Ezulwini United Chairman Polycarp Dlamini, Sea Birds boss Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane, Dumsani Msibi of Celtic, Rangers boss Dumsani Kunene, Pigg’s Peak Professionals’ Marise Nkambule, Madlenya’s Moshoeshoe Nkambule and Red Rhinos President Sithembiso ‘Ngudze’ Mamba.
Their efforts deserve appreciation, particularly at a time when dependable sponsorship remains scarce.
It is not easy to finance a football club and we must recognise the sacrifices these individuals make to keep the game alive.
Archbishop Lukhele, please hear this plea in the spirit in which it is made. Mbabane Swallows need help, and Eswatini football needs its giants to remain standing. Your reconsideration could make a difference not only to one club but also to the players, supporters and future of our beautiful game.
Let us not wait until another giant has fallen before we realise what we have lost.
