SOCCER – There seems to be trouble at the Birds’ nest.
Mbabane Swallows have withdrawn from the fourth edition of the Friendship Tournament in Angola. The red and white glamour side had been invited to the competition, which is designed to give teams a competitive edge ahead of the new season.
The tournament will feature top Angolan clubs, including Wiliete SC from Benguela, 1º de Agosto, Luanda City FC, Sagrada Esperança, Interclube and Académica do Lobito. It is being staged at the São Filipe and Buraco Stadiums in the cities of Benguela and Lobito from Monday until Sunday.
Swallows’ Public Relations Officer (PRO), Knowledge ‘Bhambo’ Ngwenya, confirmed that the team had cancelled plans to attend the invitational tournament.
“It would have been unfair to some of the players who have not yet been paid their salaries. The collective decision was to withdraw from the tournament, with the main priority being to sort out the welfare of our players. Needless to say, the event would have provided the perfect platform for the technical team to try different combinations and for the players to showcase their talent against the best clubs,” Ngwenya said.
It is understood that some Swallows players have not received their August salaries, particularly the new recruits who only recently joined the club.
A management committee member explained that when the request for salaries was submitted to their Mozambican investor, Nic Amade of Donaldo Birage Enterprises, those players had not yet signed contracts and were therefore excluded from the payroll.
“Nevertheless, we are working around the clock to ensure that salaries are paid immediately,” the high-ranking source added.
Swallows endured a disastrous start to the season, being eliminated by Manzini Sea Birds in the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup at the first hurdle after a chaotic penalty shoot-out.
They were beaten 2-1 on penalties, settled in sudden death. The match ended 1-1 in regulation time, with goals from Nhlanhla Ngwenya for Swallows and captain Muzi Tsabedze for Sea Birds.
In the shoot-out, Swallows failed to score in five attempts, while Sea Birds missed four. Only goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela converted his penalty for Swallows, while Gcinwayinkhosi Sinethemba netted the winning spot-kick for Sea Birds, adding to an earlier strike by Mlandvo Tsabedze.
Swallows announce new signings
Meanwhile, Swallows have announced seven new signings:
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Mozambican duo Milton Samuel and Celso Chauchane (former Desportivo de Maputo players)
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Former AmaZulu striker Sibongakonkhe Ndlovu
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Neliso ‘Shaka’ Myeni and Alvin Shabashie from Nsingizini Hotspurs
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Ayanda Zwane from Double Action
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Bandzile Ncongwane from Nkwalini United (Mbabane Promotion League)
Ncomo Gina has been recalled from Ubombo Sugar, while long-serving defender Sifiso Mabila and Mancoba Vilakati have had their contracts extended.
Departures include:
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Biko Sibandze (Moneni Pirates)
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Phiwokuhle Shabangu (Tabankulu Celtics)
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Kingsley Kwakyi (Nsingizini)
The club also opted not to renew the contracts of veteran striker Sandile Hlatshwako and Melusi Dlamini. Hlatshwako has since joined Premier League returnees Malanti Chiefs.
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