SOCCER — Amawele FC, who are set to be rebranded as Mbabane Black Eagles, are working behind the scenes to assemble a competitive squad ahead of their expected participation in the Premier League.
A source close to the club revealed that officials had been working around the clock to build a strong team, with training equipment worth about E100 000 already purchased.
“I can tell you now that they are trying to put together a strong team. They have earmarked a number of players they want to sign. It is only a matter of time, as some of the players are very eager to join the team,” said the source.
The source, who is based in South Africa, said the equipment would soon be brought into the country for the team to use as preparations intensify.
He also praised club Director Ally Kgomongwe for his knowledge of local football and his connections in the game.
“The good thing is that Director Kgomongwe knows Eswatini football very well and knows the right buttons to press to put together a strong team,” he said.
According to the source, much of the work was being done away from the public eye, with the club planning to unveil its players once all negotiations had been concluded.
“They are respecting the other teams because negotiations are ongoing. They know the right procedures they need to follow if they want players from other teams,” he said.
The source added that the club was also targeting players from South Africa as it seeks to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
“They are aware that it will not be easy playing in the Premier League, hence they are doing everything possible to assemble a team that will compete and not just add numbers,” he said.
Kgomongwe confirmed that preparations were underway but sounded surprised that details had emerged.
“We are working silently here in South Africa and I wonder where you got all that information. Yes, it is true that we are working behind the scenes and we have covered so much ground already. We have bought some training equipment, but I will not reveal the figure,” he said.
He confirmed that he was in discussions with several players in the kingdom, some of whom had expressed strong interest in joining the club.
“We will be coming to Eswatini soon and I am also still finalising with some players this side,” he said.
Kgomongwe said he was looking forward to returning to Eswatini and competing at the highest level.
The club will be based in Mbabane and is expected to wear black and white as its home colours.
Kgomongwe also revealed that he was working to establish a partnership with one of South Africa’s biggest clubs, which he said would be announced officially once negotiations were completed.
