Birds’ Congolese investors detained at airport

SOCCER – FIVE Congolese nationals believed to be potential investors in Mbabane Swallows Football Club were reportedly detained at King Mswati III International Airport on Monday over alleged documentation irregularities.

According to information gathered by this publication, the delegation arrived in Eswatini to explore a possible investment partnership with the capital city giants ahead of the new football season.

However, their visit took an unexpected turn when immigration and airport security officials allegedly flagged issues relating to their travel documents.

Sources close to the matter claimed that four members of the delegation were found to have visa-related irregularities while another individual was travelling on a service passport.

The group was subsequently taken to Siteki Police Station for questioning as authorities sought to resolve the documentation concerns and facilitate the issuance of the required visas.

The development has raised questions among those close to the delegation, particularly regarding the treatment of the individual travelling on a service passport.

“A delegation from Congo was detained at Siteki Police Station on Monday. They were still there on Tuesday afternoon. Officials linked to Mbabane Swallows have been working tirelessly to resolve the matter and ensure their release,” said a source familiar with the situation.

The source added that the Congolese visitors were left confused by the turn of events as they believed their documentation clearly indicated that visas would be issued upon arrival in Eswatini.

“Something appears to have gone wrong in the process. The officials from Congo feel disappointed because they were under the impression that all the necessary documentation was in place before their departure,” the source said.

According to the source, members of the delegation felt they had been treated unfairly despite travelling with what they believed to be valid documentation.

“They feel they were undermined and mistreated. They insist that they complied with all travel requirements before embarking on the trip,” the source added.

The situation reportedly became more sensitive when concerns relating to Ebola were allegedly raised during discussions surrounding the visitors’ entry into the country.

“It was unfortunate because there were comments suggesting that the Congolese visitors needed to be screened for Ebola.

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They viewed this as unfair, especially because other travellers from Congo were reportedly allowed into the country on the same day without undergoing such examinations,” the source claimed.

When contacted on the issue, acting Deputy Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Inspector Mazwi Ndzimandze said he was unaware of the matter.

Mbabane Swallows Public Relations Officer Knowledge Ngwenya also said he had no knowledge of the alleged investors.

Ministry of Home Affairs Communications Officer Mlandvo Dlamini confirmed that authorities were aware of the matter.

“Yes, I can confirm that five men from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were detained at the airport on Monday after they were found without the necessary documentation to enter the country. As a result, they were denied entry,” he said.

Dlamini added that the individuals would be returned to their country of origin on the next available flight.

The reported visit comes at a time when Mbabane Swallows are actively searching for new financial backing following the collapse of their partnership with Mozambican company Donaldo Birage Enterprises.

The three-year agreement, unveiled in July 2025 and valued at E3 million per season, failed to materialise after the investors reportedly did not meet their financial obligations to the club.

Since then, Swallows have continued operating under the leadership of Absalom ‘Mvana’ Ngwenya while battling persistent financial challenges throughout the season.

Should the Congolese delegation eventually secure entry into the country and proceed with discussions, their visit could prove significant for a club eager to strengthen its financial position ahead of the upcoming campaign.