MBABANE – A South African mining magnate is reportedly prepared to bankroll Mbabane Swallows, but the club must first resolve its ongoing leadership dispute before the proposed deal can proceed.
The Times Sports Desk has been informed that the prospective investor, who is currently exploring mining opportunities in Eswatini, wants the impasse between the club’s association faction and Mbabane Swallows FC (Pty) Ltd resolved before committing financially to the struggling capital city giants.
The investor is understood to have already demonstrated his goodwill by handing the team E20 000 following their goalless draw against Madlenya on Saturday.
A source close to the matter revealed that the investor initially pledged E10 000 for a win before raising the incentive to E20 000 at half-time. Despite the match ending in a draw, he honoured the higher amount.
It is understood the money was shared among the players, with each receiving E1 000. The payout eased tensions in the camp ahead of the team’s match against Red Rhinos at the KaLanga Technical Centre today.
The players are reportedly owed their September salaries and had been considering a strike unless their outstanding payments were addressed. However, the financial boost helped calm the situation, with players assured that their full salaries would be paid.
According to information received by this publication, the mining magnate is prepared to begin by settling the outstanding September salaries, provided the leadership dispute is resolved.
The friction between the association faction and the company faction has complicated the club’s administration, while questions also linger surrounding its registration with the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE).
The club is reportedly registered as an association rather than a company, an issue both parties must iron out before any formal investment structure can be finalised.
Efforts to find common ground have included reported discussions between the two factions at Corner Plaza in Ezulwini. The association faction, which is overseeing day-to-day operations, is keen to reach a compromise to protect the interests of the players and technical bench.
Princess Lungile was also approached over the dispute. According to information received, she advised the association faction to clear up the club’s registration status with the PLE before proceeding further.
However, Mbabane Swallows FC (Pty) Ltd President Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko said he was unaware of any meeting between the two parties.
Efforts to obtain comment from Mbabane Swallows Public Relations Officer Knowledge Ngwenya were unsuccessful by the time of going to press, as messages sent to him went unanswered.
The reported investment interest comes as the capital city giants continue to grapple with severe financial difficulties that have dogged the club since the passing of former president Victor ‘Maradona’ Gamedze.
During Gamedze’s tenure, Swallows established themselves as Eswatini’s dominant football force, winning multiple domestic trophies and representing the country in continental competitions. Their rich history and massive fanbase have kept supporters deeply concerned about the club’s long-term financial future.
Several well-wishers, including Bishop Bheki Lukhele and Karim Ashraf, have assisted the club since Gamedze’s death. However, previous attempts to secure sustainable financial backing, including negotiations involving prospective investors from Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo, failed to yield a lasting solution.
Last Friday, the club made a public appeal for financial assistance during a national radio programme, asking fans to contribute E50 or E100 towards immediate running costs. Whether these latest discussions produce a breakthrough remains to be seen. For now, the proposed investment offers a crucial lifeline, but restoring leadership unity appears to be the ultimate prerequisite.
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