Times Of Swaziland: BUSINESSMAN XABA NEW MONENI PIRATES PRESIDENT

BUSINESSMAN XABA NEW MONENI PIRATES PRESIDENT
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Mengameli Mabuza on 16/07/2024 08:25:00


MONENI – Moneni Pirates have appointed businessman Thulani Xaba, as their new
president, succeeding Osborne Nzima.
The introduction of the Managing Director (MD) of Multi-Purpose Distributors, as
the new president of the ‘Sea Robbers’,  as Moneni Pirates are fondly known,
was formally revealed by the club’s former president, Nzima, yesterday at
IF’s Lounge at Moneni.The former Pirates elders chairman expressed his
pleasure at Xaba’s appointment, noting that the team had pursued him for over
a decade and was thrilled that he had finally accepted the position.
Appointed
“As former president Osborne Nzima, I wish to affirm that Thulani Xaba has
been appointed as the new president of Moneni Pirates. This is a momentous
occasion for our club, as Mr Xaba is a highly-respected and accomplished
businessman, who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. “As
a team, we are committed to following his leadership and guidance as we continue
to pursue success, both on and off the field. We believe that his presence will
bring a renewed sense of energy and vision to Moneni Pirates, and we look
forward to a bright and prosperous future under his presidency,” he said.
In his address, Nzima stated that while Xaba would be working with other members
of the Moneni Pirates board of directors, including Sibusiso Hlanze, Zomboze
Magagula and Nhlanhla Msweli, he would have the ultimate authority within the
organisation.The outgoing president further announced that Xaba appointed Mandla
Mahlalela as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Moneni Pirates. This
appointment, made by the new Pirates president, will see Mahlalela working
closely with the president in the team’s decision-making process and
day-to-day operations.
After his appointment was formally announced, the newly-appointed president
expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead one of the most prominent
and well-established football clubs in the country. “As the newly appointed
president, I’m thrilled to be returning to Moneni Pirates, a team that has
been a part of my life since childhood. This is a journey back to my roots, and
I’m determined to lead the club to renewed success. With the assistance of the
upcoming management committee and the support of the community, media, and all
stakeholders, I am certain that we can restore the team to its former glory.
Together, we can bring the glory days of Moneni Pirates back, and I am eager to
work tirelessly to achieve this goal,” he said. Continuing his remarks, Xaba
made it clear that he had big expectations for Moneni Pirates, stating that the
team would need to reach a higher level of performance in order to meet his
targets.
“My targets are simple, but they will require hard work and dedication from
everyone involved with the club. I expect a top four finish in the league, a
trophy to add to our collection, and representation in African competitions,”
the businessman revealed. Meanwhile, newly-appointed CEO Mahlalela, a seasoned
lawyer, expressed the urgency of the task at hand, as the football season was
already underway and time was of the essence. The appointment of Xaba as the new
president of Moneni Pirates has been met with jubilation and enthusiasm by the
team’s fans.
With the ardent support of the Pirates’ faithful behind him, the real test for
Xaba will be leading the team to silverware. The team last tasted success in the
2014/15 season when they lifted the Eswatini Bank Cup, defeating Manzini
Wanderers 2-0 at the Somhlolo National Stadium.