SOCCER – BEHIND the glamour and rich history of one of Eswatini’s biggest football institutions lies a harsh reality as Mbabane Swallows players are reportedly enduring months without full salaries, leaving the squad frustrated, emotionally drained and largely ‘playing for the badge’.
Information gathered by this publication indicates that the players last received full salaries in February. In March, they were reportedly paid only half of their salaries before the situation worsened in April, when no payments were allegedly made at all.
Sources close to the club described the situation as deeply troubling, revealing that players have been forced into survival mode while continuing to honour fixtures and represent the famous red and white colours with pride.
“The players have not been receiving their full pay for some time now and it is becoming unbearable,” said a source.
“It is painful because these players also have families to feed, rent to pay and responsibilities at home. They last received full salaries in February, then half salaries in March and nothing came in April. Right now most of them are simply playing out of passion and loyalty to the badge,” the source added.
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An independent investigation further established that ahead of the recent Mbabane Derby, the players reportedly had to share E5 000 donated by a good Samaritan who sympathised with their situation and wanted to motivate the team.
It was also revealed that the club’s Management Committee had pinned its hopes on gate-takings from yesterday’s derby clash to at least provide players with small hand-outs to help them cope. Another player, who requested anonymity, admitted that morale within the camp had dropped significantly. However, he said the squad had collectively agreed to continue fighting until the end of the season for the sake of the supporters.
“Everyone goes to work to earn a living. Some of us are the sole breadwinners at home, so going for months without salaries is extremely difficult.
“The situation has honestly been unbearable but we made a collective decision to continue fighting for the jersey and for the supporters. We appreciate the Management Committee because they are trying everything possible under difficult circumstances but the reality is that the players are suffering,” he said.
Mbabane Swallows PRO Knowledge ‘Bhambo’ Ngwenya responded diplomatically, acknowledging that football clubs faced financial challenges. However, he maintained that such matters remained confidential between employer and employee, requesting that the privacy of those involved be respected.
With the season nearing its conclusion, uncertainty continues to hang heavily over the future of the struggling giants.
