SOCCER – SIHLANGU and Mbabane Swallows legend Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko is now the new Director of Mbabane Swallows (PTY) Ltd.
The company, previously 100% owned by the late Victor ‘Maradona’ Gamedze, became part of his estate after his death in January 2018. Ownership then passed to his wife, Princess Lungile.
According to the Registrar of Companies, Princess Lungile has now transferred the shares to club supporters, with ‘Samba Jive’ and seven others listed as shareholders in Swallows (PTY) Ltd Form C.
CAF Licensing and Stadium Applications
Both Mbabane Swallows (PTY) Ltd and Mbabane Swallows FC (registered as an association) submitted CAF Club Licensing documents to the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) for the 2025/26 season.
Both entities have also applied to the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs to use the recently refurbished Somhlolo National Stadium as their home ground.
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In one letter, signed by Swallows FC Governor Welile Mabuza, the club requested to host home games from September, pledging compliance with all hosting requirements.
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In another, signed by (PTY) Ltd President ‘Samba Jive’, a similar application was submitted, expressing appreciation for cooperation.
Ownership History and Licensing Submissions
Mbabane Swallows previously played in CAF competitions through Mbabane Swallows (PTY) Ltd under Gamedze’s leadership.
Interim Board Chairman Bongani Dlamini told the Observer Sports Desk that licensing documents were submitted manually before the 31 July deadline, as they had not received the online platform password.
“We assume everything is in order since the PLE hasn’t raised any issues. We are more than ready to run the club this season,” Dlamini said.
Swallows FC, managing the team on the field, also confirmed its own CAF licensing submission. PLE CEO Pat Vilakati could not be reached for comment.
Board and Future Plans
The two entities have been in an ownership dispute for two years, echoing a similar split in the 1980s when two Mbabane Swallows teams arrived for the same league fixture at Somhlolo National Stadium.
Earlier, Princess Lungile removed Mbabane Swallows from Gamedze’s estate, transferring 100% of the shares to supporters. She introduced a seven-member interim board at Madlenya House, chaired by Dlamini.
Interim board members:
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Bongani Dlamini (Chairman)
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Cyprian Ginindza (Vice-Chairman)
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Silindile Mantathe (Secretary)
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Mlungisi Matsebula
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Nonhlanhla Masina-Myeni
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Fikile Fakudze
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Mfundo Zwane
The board was tasked with:
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Identifying investors
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Appointing an interim management committee
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Working with supporters on the club’s future direction
Both Swallows (PTY) Ltd and Swallows FC indicated they will continue preparations for the 2025/26 PLE season while awaiting decisions on their home venue applications.
