SOCCER – Mbabane Swallows supporters have instructed the club’s board of directors to reclaim the team from the current management structure ‘by hook or crook’ following an emotionally charged general meeting held at Mater Dolorosa High School Hall yesterday.
The gathering, attended by supporters, elders and board members of Mbabane Swallows FC (PTY) Ltd, turned into a strong show of frustration against the current management committee (MC) running the club under a voluntary association structure.
Supporters from branches including Hlathikhulu, Mbabane, Ngwenya and Mankayane attended the meeting, where concerns over the direction of the country’s oldest football club dominated discussions.
The supporters openly criticised key figures associated with the current administration, among them Absalom Ngwenya, Sandile ‘Beyond 2000’ Zwane and Welile Mabuza. Many supporters accused the current leadership of failing to restore stability and competitiveness at the once-dominant club.
Resolutions taken during the meeting included calls for the removal of the current MC from office, with supporters insisting that the club must return to the control of Mbabane Swallows FC (PTY) Ltd instead of Mbabane Swallows Association.
Despite the off-field turmoil, supporters praised the players for their resilience amid reports that the squad has gone four months without salaries under the current arrangement.
The meeting also exposed deep divisions between the club’s traditional structures and the association currently operating the team in the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE).
Club elder and Swallows legend Maria Maria Fakudze claimed the uncertainty surrounding the club had been fuelled deliberately by football authorities. Fakudze alleged that PLE Chief Executive Officer Petros Vilakati informed elders during one of their meetings that the league would only recognise what was contained in official records and representations linked to Welile Mabuza.
Fakudze further revealed that attempts to sell the club in previous years had allegedly failed because the official documents and trademarks remained under Mbabane Swallows Property Limited.
According to Fakudze, different constitutions relating to the club were presented before the High Court by the PLE and the Eswatini Football Association (EFA). He maintained that the original constitution drafted by Luke Malinga was the one recognised and presented by the EFA during court proceedings.
He said the club’s elders and directors intended to pursue further legal action through the registry of companies in a bid to protect the Mbabane Swallows name and trademarks. “Police must be roped in because a lot is wrong at the PLE office,” Fakudze charged during the heated discussions.
Supporters were also informed that Swallows is currently participating in the PLE under a voluntary association represented by Ngwenya as director, Zwane as governor and Mabuza as chairman. It was further revealed that both the PLE and EFA had allegedly channelled payments intended for the club through the same Swallows FC (PTY) Ltd bank account.
Vusi Sibisi, who directed proceedings during the meeting, said the process of rebuilding the club had already begun through the collection of supporters’ records and the strengthening of club structures nationwide.
“We are in a process of collecting the club’s data, including supporters and surviving elders. These structures are important,” Sibisi said.
“Supporters are no longer just supporters of this club but shareholders. Legal documents are being crafted. Swallows have people across the country. This meeting is for all Mbabane Swallows supporters, including those associated with the voluntary association. We are here to build unity in the club.”
The board also faced questions from supporters regarding the lack of engagement with former club director Bishop Bheki Lukhele since his resignation a year ago.
Board Vice-Chairman Bhekithemba Ginindza responded by saying several attempts had been made to secure meetings with Lukhele without success. He referenced Lukhele’s resignation statement, in which the former director reportedly cited concerns over transparency within the current management structure.
Supporters also sought an update regarding attempts to halt the club’s participation in matches while the ownership dispute remains unresolved.
Board Chairman Bongani Dlamini explained that the matter had been taken to court, where it was ruled that the team could continue fulfilling fixtures pending the finalisation of legal proceedings.
