SOCCER – The ministry of sports, culture and youth affairs has attributed the alarming decline of the country’s football giants to persistent ownership disputes, confirming that a review of club ownership regulations is now underway.
This emerged in the ministry’s written responses after presenting its 2025/26 budget before the portfolio committee, where concerns were raised over the poor performance of the country’s big three Mbabane Swallows, Mbabane Highlanders, and Manzini Wanderers.
Responding to questions from Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini, the ministry acknowledged the situation as troubling.
The ministry further explained that clubs were currently registered in line with existing football regulations but stopped short of detailing any stringent vetting process for foreign investors.
On the field, the struggles of the three giants are evident. All three clubs are languishing in the bottom half of the MTN Premier League table, with nine matches remaining in the season.
Mbabane Swallows and Mbabane Highlanders are both sitting on 27 points, while Manzini Wanderers find themselves rooted at the bottom with just eight points after 21 matches.
Form has also been a major concern. Prior to last weekend’s fixtures, Swallows, Highlanders, and Wanderers had each endured a four-match winless run or more, underlining the depth of their struggles.
At the start of the season, instability defined their campaigns.
Mbabane Swallows were embroiled in a protracted ownership dispute between Mbabane Swallows FC and Mbabane Swallows (PTY) Ltd, which was eventually settled in court. The ruling clarified the rightful operators of the club, although uncertainty lingered after potential Mozambican investors reportedly withdrew under unclear circumstances.
Mbabane Highlanders have also been entangled in leadership battles. Former director Bheki ‘Rubber’ Simelane was replaced by South African businesswoman and club President Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize, following internal disputes that played out in court.
At Manzini Wanderers, instability has been equally disruptive. The club introduced former Kubuta MP Mlamuli Mabuza into its leadership structures, but his tenure was short-lived after he stepped down. Club legends have since called for a return to a single-director model in a bid to restore stability.
With the season entering its decisive phase, the ministry’s planned regulatory review could prove crucial in addressing governance issues that continue to undermine the country’s most historic clubs.
