EX-‘BIRDS’ STAR ‘DAMARA’ PASSES ON

MBABANE – The cruel hands of death have struck once again in the football fraternity.

Another legend is gone. Former Mbabane Swallows wing wizard, Thabo ‘Damara’ Mpama, who donned the famed red and white kit in the 1970s and early 1980s passed away while undergoing treatment in a hospital in Johannesburg on Tuesday. His death came barely a week after another legend in Manzini Wanderers David ‘Chopper’ Dlamini passed away last week. Mpama, who started his career with Swallows second division side, Arsenal, in 1971, retired after the 1984/85 season, was now a businessman based in Roodepoort, Johannesburg, South Africa. He was part of the Swallows side that won many trophies including the 1978 Castle Lager League title. A former Swallows striker, Wilfred ‘Maria Maria’ Fakudze, confirmed the demise of his fellow teammate yesterday.

Distraught

“I am distraught by the passing of Damara because we grew up together, shared a room in camp and even shared a room when we started working. What pains me the most is that I will not even be able to attend his funeral,” a visibly distressed Fakudze said. Fakudze said he would always remember the competition for the left wing position ‘Damara’ had with another late Swallows great, Pius ‘Mkhari’ Dube. “Our manager/coach Luke Malinga had a tough time choosing one over the other because they were equally good. Damara was right footed but played on the left wing and was a joy to watch,” Fakudze said.

Mbabane Swallows Management released a message of condolences through Marketing and Communications Manager Mancoba Mabuza, who said they had learnt with shock about the demise of the former club treasurer Timothy Nhleko and winger Thabo ‘Damara’ Mpama. “Nhleko served the club with much diligence at administration level while Mpama also continued to support Mbabane Swallows even when he was based in South Africa. “We thank them for their great service to the club. We express condolences to the families of Nhleko and Mpama. Our thoughts and prayers are with both families at this time,” Mabuza’s statement reads in part.

Mpama played alongside other Swallows greats in Ronnie ‘Valient’ Dube, Zweli Mnisi, Sicelo ‘Spirit’ Dube, Chillies Shongwe, Gift ‘Cracker’ Masina, Wilfred ‘Maria Maria’ Fakudze, Cornelius Mabuza, Sparrow Kgongoane, Luke Qwabe, Pele Mncina, Lloyd Maziya, Killey Dlamini, Alex ‘Ayezamanzi’ Mamba, Pius ‘Mkhari’ Dube, Zeeman Charles Dlamini, Skuur Lukhele, Gerald Shields, to mention but a few.

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