Times Of Swaziland: UMKHONTO KA-CASH

UMKHONTO KA-CASH
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BY SABELO GWEBU on 17/05/2018 08:46:00


MBABANE – Rewriting the country’s football history books has come with a
sweetener for Mbabane Swallows players.
The country’s football ‘money devils’ players received varying incentives
for reaching the Total CAF Champions League group stages on Monday, with the
highest getting E30 000 and the lowest around E20 000. The money was described
as an incentive and motivation in the grueling African adventure that continues
unabated. Pumped-up by their bulging bank accounts, Swallows beat visiting
Desportivo de Agosto of Angola 1-0 at Mavuso Sports Centre the following day to
take the driving seat in Group D, with four points after just two matches. 
“We thank Mrs Gamedze for her overwhelming support and direction in the
running of the team. She has released the players’ bonuses and she is doing
all she can to keep the players motivated,” said General Manager Sandile
‘Beyond 2000’ Zwane, while refusing to be drawn into details of the
incentives- referring more questions to Chairman Lloyd ‘Magic Feet’ Maziya.
On condition of anonymity, two players further confirmed the morale booster.
“We were told the money is an incentive for reaching the group stages and a
motivation to do well. The highest player got E30 000 with the lowest given
around E20 000,” said one of the players.  The players will soon receive
season bonuses for winning the MTN League (E350 000 + E750 000), Ingwenyama Cup
(E1.2 million) and SwaziTelecom Charity Cup (E950 000). Swallows total earnings
in domestic competitions is around E3.3 million. The red and white glamour side
is also guaranteed E6.6 million from the Confederation of African Football (CAF)
for reaching the group stages of the continent’s premier club competition.
Several attempts to get a comment from Maziya hit a snag yesterday as his mobile
phones rang unanswered. Reached, Princess Lungile, the wife of dearly departed
team boss Victor Gamedze, praised his players for their continued gallant
showing. “The players did well and we are all happy as a nation. It is every
Swazi’s wish, and also my desire that they at least reach the finals of the
competition,” she said. Asked on the money, Mrs Gamedze referred questions to
Maziya.