ZUNGU, SIPHAMANDLA AWOL

MBABANE – The ‘Birds’ are flying without the duo of Vusumuzi Zungu and Siphamandla Dhlamini, who are reported to have gone absent without official leave (awol) from the club.

The duo have not reported back for training since Monday when the title-chasing capital city giants began preparations for their MTN Premier League clash against Tambuti on Saturday at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium, kick-off 3:30pm.

A source close to the matter said only one player from South Africa, striker Thabiso Mokonkoane, had returned from the festive holidays as Swallows resumed their training programme on Monday. With only two days before their clash against Tambuti, they are likely not to feature in the match.

“Swallows gave the players some time out after the derby match that ended the MTN Premier League first round. All players were expected back at training on Monday but the duo are still missing and they are now a doubt for the Saturday game,” said a source close to the matter.

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The duo joined Swallows in beginning of last season. Zungu signed from rivals Mbabane Highlanders while Siphamandla was out of contract from Matsapha United (formerly Mhlume Peacemakers).

Zungu has been a regular in the starting XI under Zambian coach Honour Janza while Siphamandla was getting a lot of game time lately. Siphamandla was among the scorers when Swallows beat Malanti Chiefs 2-0 in the league to continue piling pressure on Young Buffaloes mid-December.

Swallows are second on the log behind leaders Buffaloes with 30 points. They lost the E350 000 MTN Premier League first round incentive to Young Buffaloes after settling for a goalless draw against Mbabane Highlanders in the derby a fortnight ago.
Swallows are hoping to continue pushing for the title as they intend going back to the CAF Championships League or the CAF Confederations Cup where they finished in the group stages in their last campaign.

Swallows Zambian coach Janza Honour confirmed that the players were not part of the training squad but he was expecting them before the end of the week.
“Yes, they are not part of the team but I have a lot of players whom we are working with in preparation of the game on Saturday. We are expecting the duo to report before end of the week and I believe they have some issues that they are sorting out,” he said.
Janza said they would be all out for the three points against Tambuti as they want to win almost every game they play to keep their chances of winning the league high.

Swallows Communications and Marketing Manager Manqoba Mabuza said he was from outside the country and he was yet to be informed on the latest in the team while General Manager Sandile Zwane was also reported to be outside the country.
Swallows Chairman Archbishop, Bheki Lukhele presented all players and technical bench with Christmas bonus of E3 000 per player on top of their December salaries.

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