Africa-Press – Eswatini. Mbabane Swallows defender Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala reportedly turned down an opportunity to join South Africa’s DStv Premiership club, Chippa United.
The versatile player returned to the country on Thursday through the King Mswati III International Airport, following his time with Chippa United since last Sunday. Earlier this month, it was reported that the player, who plays for both Sihlangu and Swallows, had travelled to South Africa for trials with the DStv Premiership side. The former Young Buffaloes player had received an invitation to undergo assessments with the club. ‘Stopper’ was unavailable for Swallows’ last two games against Denver Sundowns in the league and their Ingwenyama Cup Last 16 game against Tambankulu Celtics at Mayaluka Stadium.
According to a source close to the ‘Birds’ nest, both clubs had agreed to terms on the services of the national team skipper, but it was not the case for him, as he had a change of mind concerning the move to Port Elizabeth, as he cited ill-treatment as the main reason for turning down the offer.
“The team and Chippa United had agreed on a transfer fee for the player, but according to the player, he was not happy with the treatment he received while at the club. This led to a change of heart about signing for Chippa, which is something the team respects because we care about the player’s happiness. The team is happy to welcome the player back, although we are disappointed that the opportunity to play in South Africa didn’t work out. However, as a club, we believe that the player will have other opportunities in the future,” the source said.
Confirmed
Swallows Public Relations Officer (PRO) Knowledge Ngwenya stated that he could not comment on Thwala’s reason to return to the country, but confirmed that he had rejoined them and will be ready for selection today.
“As Mbabane Swallows FC Management we do confirm that Kwakhe is in our camp as our player, but we cannot comment about our player’s personal decision to return to training,” he said.
Meanwhile, the player’s FIFA-accredited agent, Charles Domingos, who is based in South Africa, stated that he was not aware of the player experiencing ill-treatment at Chippa United. However, he mentioned that they had finished negotiating with Chippa and that the club had offered the player a lucrative three-year deal worth over E50 000 per month.
“Honestly, I’m completely shocked at what happened and what led the player to turn down such an incredible opportunity of a lifetime. Chippa United had offered the player a three-year contract, a signing bonus, and a new apartment. Everyone in the club was impressed with the player’s talent and Chippa United was eager for him to sign on the dotted line. Unfortunately, the deal fell through with the player not being interested,” he said.
Domingos emphasised that despite what had happened, he would continue to support the player and he believed that the player was a rare, special talent who needed to be supported. Swallows player Felix ‘Fela’ Badenhorst previously experienced ill-treatment while playing for the Congolese top-tier club, AS Vita.
Quoted
The player was quoted by the publication, saying that life in the Democratic Republic of Congo was a living hell and he lived in fear all the time. The attacking player gave an example of how some Congolese people would walk into his room and help themselves to his food without a care in the world.
Meanwhile, FIFA has officially lifted the transfer ban against Chippa United ahead of the DStv Premiership second round. The Gqeberha-based side was banned from registering new players, following a dispute with defender Abdi Banda. This comes after the Chilli Boys failed to compensate the Tanzanian international when he left the side last year. However, Banda has received the amount due to him.
With Chippa’s ban lifted, the side stated that they were preparing to announce one or two major signings before the transfer window closeD yesterday. Kwakhe Thwala was unavailable for comment at the time of compiling this report last night.
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