Times Of Swaziland: ‘BIRDS’ RECALL TCHAKUNTE

‘BIRDS’ RECALL TCHAKUNTE
================================================================================
BY DUMISANI NTIWANE on 03/01/2014 05:25:00


MBABANE – Champions League representatives, Mbabane Swallows have recalled
their midfield hard man Jocial Tchakunte.
The Cameroonian anchorman, who left the red and white outfit at the end of last
season, will jet into the country next week. He has been recalled by the team
ahead of Swallows’ arduous Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions
League clash against 12 times Zambian Champions Nkana FC early next month.
The player, who earned the nickname ‘King Tchaku’ after his sterling
performances for last season’s treble winners, is expected in the country on
Monday. Insiders at Swallows revealed yesterday that Tchakunte has been recalled
to beef up the team.
“Everyone knows that we will be playing in the Africa Cup and at the moment we
have a very thin squad. Tchakunte has always been our player because even when
he left it was our decision. We were never at war with him and he left the team
when our relationship with him was perfect.
“Actually, we did not want him to go but because of the mutual understanding
we had with him. We understood when he told us that his family needed him back
home. It was out of respect that we allowed him to go. He has sorted his family
matters and has agreed to rejoin the team,” a highly placed source at Swallows
said.
The official also disclosed that the player is likely to arrive a day or two
earlier than the team’s new coach, who is also expected to land in the country
anytime next week. Swallows will also unveil the new coach to work alongside
current incumbent Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe.
“We will convene a press conference next week where everything regarding the
team will be made public. We will also use the press conference to unveil the
new players we hope to have signed by then including the new coach if all goes
well.
“The team’s directors are taking the Africa Cup campaign very seriously. We
also want to defend the league crown hence we are doing everything possible to
beef up the present squad. We cannot deny the fact that this season’s
competition is much tougher but the team wants to continue doing well,” the
official said.
Swallows Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sibusiso Manana on the other hand
declined to commit himself when reached on the matter yesterday.
“The team has lined up a press conference for next week. I am sure all your
questions will be answered during the press conference,” was all Manana could
say.
Worth noting is that the Mbabane giants have stepped up the gear and intensified
their preparations ahead of their Champions League campaign. They are also set
to sign exciting Manzini Sea Birds midfielder Ndumiso ‘S’khokho’ Shongwe,
Malkerns FC and Under-20 starlet Ciniso Shabangu.