MBABANE Swallows are reportedly on the brink of a major crisis, as former club boss is said to be considering repossessing the team’s branded sprinter bus and barring them from using the Ezulwini training ground – both assets believed to be under his name.
This development, if carried through, could significantly derail the Birds’ preparations for the upcoming match against South Africa side TS Galaxy. As a result, the team did not train on Monday.
Sources close to the matter allege that the former boss has grown frustrated over unpaid debts allegedly amounting to over E800 000. These funds are believed to have been loaned to the club support their previous CAF participation.
“He’s running out of patience. The sprinter and training ground are still in his name and he is seriously contemplating taking them back,” a well-placed insider revealed.
“He feels the current management has failed to honour their commitments and now he wants to reclaim what’s his, possibly including the clubhouse where some players reside.”
The looming threat comes at a sensitive time with Swallows expected to travel to South Africa this weekend for a high-profile international friendly against TS Galaxy. Club insiders fear the uncertainty surrounding transport and training facilities may disrupt their plans.
Compounding the Birds’ challenges is the delayed disbursement of their CAF Champions League participation grant, worth E1 million (approximately US$50 000). A source familiar with the situation claimed the initial application had issues with the submitted documentation, although this has reportedly since been rectified. “They submitted late, and some details didn’t align with CAF’s requirements, which is why the funds were delayed,” the source said.
In contrast, Nsingizini Hotspurs, Eswatini’s representatives in the Confederation Cup are said to have already received their CAF grant and have proceeded with preparations unimpeded.
the former Swallows boss could not be reached as his phone was reportedly out of network for the better part of yesterday.
Swallows Public Relations Officer Knowledge Ngwenya said the club had not received any formal notification of asset repossession or access denial to the training ground.
However, he confirmed that the CAF money had not yet come through.
“Yes, we have not received the money but all other questions regarding the participation fee should be directed to EFA,” he said.
Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi Radebe distanced the organisation from the matter.
“We are not in a position to confirm if teams received their money. We do not handle those transactions unless CAF directs the funds through our accounts, which is not the case here,” he clarified.
Both Mbabane Swallows and Nsingizini Hotspurs were confirmed by CAF as beneficiaries for the 2024/25 Interclub Competitions, each allocated E1 million as a participation grant for the preliminary rounds.
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