SOCCER – CALLS for peace talks are growing louder as the bitter dispute engulfing Mbabane Swallows continues to threaten the future of one of Eswatini’s most successful football clubs.
A respected legal expert has urged the warring Mbabane Swallows FC and Mbabane Swallows (Pty) Ltd factions to seek a negotiated settlement, warning that prolonged litigation could leave the club severely weakened regardless of which side ultimately prevails.
The appeal comes in the wake of a recent court victory for the Mbabane Swallows FC faction in the latest chapter of the long-running battle over the control and governance of the club. Despite the ruling, tensions remain high, with uncertainty continuing to cloud the future of the capital city giants.
Adding to the concern are reports that a potential investor has shown interest in becoming involved with the club. However, the ongoing hostilities and uncertainty surrounding the club’s leadership structures are understood to be jeopardising any prospects of securing fresh investment.
The legal expert, known to this publication but will not be named due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the courts could only go so far in resolving the crisis.
“The courts can determine legal questions, but they cannot restore relationships, rebuild trust or reunify a football family,” the lawyer said. “What Swallows need at this stage is a solution that protects the institution itself. In my view, that can only realistically come through conciliatory discussions between the parties.”
The lawyer noted that football operates on timelines that are often far quicker than those of the legal system.
“Seasons continue, player contracts expire, transfer windows open and close, sponsors make decisions and investors assess opportunities. Football timelines move much faster than court timelines,” the lawyer said.
According to the legal expert, the longer the dispute continues, the greater the risk that the club could lose valuable opportunities.
“If there is genuine investor interest in the club, uncertainty becomes a major obstacle. Investors generally want stability, clarity and certainty before committing resources. There is a real risk that opportunities that could benefit the club may disappear while parties remain locked in conflict.”
The lawyer also highlighted the growing financial burden of prolonged litigation and its potential impact on football operations, youth development and player welfare.
“Players are among the biggest victims in situations like these because they often have the least control over what is happening. Uncertainty regarding club leadership, future plans and long-term stability can create enormous psychological pressure.”
The legal expert warned that even if one side eventually secures a decisive legal victory, the club itself could emerge as the biggest loser.
“One party may win a court case, but the bigger question is whether the club wins. Football clubs are not ordinary businesses. They represent generations of supporters, former players, sponsors and communities.”
Mbabane Swallows (Pty) Ltd Chairman Bongani Dlamini echoed the call for dialogue, saying the organisation’s primary concern was seeing the club return to its former glory.
“No one is happy with the current state of the team, especially because of the way in which it is governed,” said Dlamini. “We are open to sitting around the table, but it becomes difficult when some people believe they are smarter than everyone else. We are ready to have a conversation and we have elders who can help bridge the gap and find a way forward.”
He added: “We love this team and we want to see it doing better because we do not want to reach a point where people only talk about a club that once existed.”
Mbabane Swallows Management Committee Chairman AB Dlamini also expressed concern over the ongoing conflict, describing the situation as painful for everyone associated with the club.
“What is happening is painful because we love this team and our priority is to see it thrive,” he said. “We are open to listening to people who are coming in good faith with the intention of helping the team return to the glory days. Our biggest problem is the continued claim by some that the club belonged to the late Victor Gamedze, which is not true.”
AB Dlamini emphasized that Swallows is a “people’s team” and nobody owns it. He warned that the dispute is hampering pre-season preparations and driving away investors.
“Even when we try to attract people who can assist the team, they will not invest while there is infighting. Other teams are preparing for the new season while we are dealing with this situation. By the time the noise dies down, we may have lost players and valuable time.”
