CLAIMS ‘SAMBA JIVE’, OTHERS TRANSFER-LISTED

MBABANE – Mbabane Swallows’ much-anticipated transfer list by coach Christopher Ennin has been leaked.

It is off-season in Eswatini, but the registration window is opened for clubs to register players and like all football clubs worldwide, there are outgoing transfers and incomings. The country’s giant side, Mbabane Swallows, are no exception – it has come out that their transfer list, yet to be decided on by the club’s President, Archbishop Bheki Lukhele, has had one name on it that is unsettling the club’s management as most are said to disapprove. The list, according to our impeccable sources, has among the names, long-serving veteran Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko, who has spent over a decade with the red and white side. Others said to be on the list are left back Sanele Mkhweli, forward Simanga Shongwe, who also is among the ‘Invincible’s record achieving team, former Mbabane Highlanders and national team Sihlangu midfielder Menzi Sithole and ex-Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows and national team striker, Allen Mabuza.

However, these names are not the real issue but one – and that is former Moneni Pirates midfielder Nhlanhla ‘Jive’ Nkosi. He was only signed in November last year after unsuccessful trials in South Africa with Cape Town City, but saw little game time under coach Ennin. He has a goal under his belt despite a few minutes played. “That one is causing a problem for the team officials because they had not expected him especially because he is a young and talented player who was yet to get his chance at Swallows. Some officials feel ‘Jive’ deserves another chance, instead, one or two of the foreign stars were expected on the list,” said one of the sources.

Another source said ‘Jive’ was never given a chance yet he was better than some of the foreigners they have not included on the list. Swallows have midfielder Emmanuel Nsiah, defender Kingu Pemba from Denver Sundowns, Blandja Baba-Sediou from Mhlume Peacemakers, defender Kingsley Kwakyi and forward James Nguluve. The foreign quota is five in the country. None of these are on the list which has once again allegedly sparked debate over the listed and unlisted. Interestingly, Swallows’ traditional rivals, Mbabane Highlanders, also had different views over their own list as some felt it had missing names while two on it should not have been there at all. Meanwhile, like at Highlanders, the sources said the list was not final as only Lukhele would make the decision and he was currently away.

Experience

None of the allegedly transfer-listed stars are currently aware even though two of them said they had anticipated it. Of these players, ‘Samba Jive’ is the eldest at 41 years and has vast experience having played for several teams in South Africa’s top flight and second tier division before returning home to join Swallows in 2009. He and Simanga were part of the history-making Swallows locally and internationally when they went two seasons unbeaten and finished in the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup and CAF Champions League in the 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons. Nhleko is set to be part of the club’s technical bench in the new season. Swallows Marketing and Communications Officer Mancoba Mabuza said they would announce any major changes through a press conference as they had always done since they had their way of doing things. “Currently, we are not in a position to announce anything in that regard. We will let you know the actual move once everything has been finalised,” he responded.

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