Africa-Press – Eswatini. This is the story of Mbabane Swallows and former South Africa’s Polokwane City midfielder Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze, who has resigned from the capital city giants ahead of the 2023/24 MTN Premier League season.
According to a close source within the Caleb Ngwenya outfit, the attacking player resigned in the club on Wednesday night, after reportedly being not in good terms with the Head Coach of the club, Ngwenya. “Mbabane Swallows confirms the resignation of Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze from the club. This latest development follows the player’s communication that he has decided to move on and explore other avenues.
“Because of these developments, the player is not available for selection today. We are proud of the role played by the player and his progress up to this point. We are grateful for his contribution in bringing the club to where it is today. In his time at Swallows, the player managed to win almost all domestic cups and tournaments on offer, he did his best.
Respect
“For the sake of peaceful progress, Swallows has opted to respect the player’s wishes and intentions. It is part of Swallows’ policy that everyone associated with the club is allowed the opportunity to grow towards the success and future they want for themselves. We believe we are the right vehicle for that. Swallows is willing to release the player to his team of choice and invites interested clubs to come forward and initiate negotiations in order to enable speedy processing of the player’s transfer. Mbabane Swallows does not believe in frustrating a player. We wish the player all the best in his future endeavours,” reads part of the press statement from Swallows.
The publication exclusively reported last month that the former Swallows supporters fan favourite was being tracked by the black and white Inkunzi’Emnyama (Highlanders) to cross the Rubicon ahead of the 2023/24 season, with the player confirming that he was open to play for any team after playing for Swallows for over a decade . Fresh developments regarding the stylish former Swallows number 10 was that he was on the wanted list of three clubs in the MTNM Premier League.
“Pupu is currently wanted by Mbabane Highlanders, Green Mamba and Moneni Pirates. All the clubs have shown strong interest to have the player for the new season and it will go down to the team that will convince the player with the current project that is being shown to them ,” shared the source. When the player was sought yesterday afternoon he confirmed that he had resigned in the club after winning all trophies in domestic football.
“It is with deep gratitude and utmost regret that I have to bid farewell to the Swallows family.This was also a sad thing for me to do especially because the club has been my home and has always taken good care of me over the years. I love the team so much but then game time is important to me and I also need a fresh challenge .I need to enjoy football again and the past season has been torture for me,” he shared.
The skilful player also emotional bid farewell to the Umkhonto KaShaka supporters in yesterday interview which was held in town (Mbabane capital city). “ The love I felt from the fans is one I will fondly keep to heart and I hope in future we can still share moments together. ‘In everything we do we must be grateful‚ thanks to the late Chairman, Make Lungile, the president of the club and the management team for the opportunity granted to me. Your support and encouragement during the difficult and good times were inseparable. ‘We’ll share nothing but all the good memories. May God bless you,” he shed a tear.
Reports suggest that Highlanders are currently the favourites to sign the player and have already a E100 000 bid. It had been speculated for weeks in some sectors that the Solly Luvhengo team were back swooping for the midfielder who they came close to signing in the 2020/21 season alongside his midfield brother Xolani ‘Papi’ who later re-joined Swallows where they played together. The deal did not go through as Swallows won the player over their rivals.
Papi has since left the red and white Swallows after he was put on transfer while Pupu still has about a year in his contract, which means that any team that wants to have him will need to pay him with the latter contract expiring in May 2024. The former Swallows player remains one of the most decorated players to have played in the club. He is the member of the record – breaking Mbabane Swallows, which went on a 51-league unbeaten run from May 15, 2016 to September 30, 2018.
The maestro was also part of the squad that reached the group stages of both the CAF Confederations Cup and Champions league under the directorship of astute businessman, the late Victor Gamedze. He joins the list of players who have left Swallows. They include central midfielder Xolani ‘Papi’ Sikhondze, striker Bashir Mutanda, grafter Mohamed Kabia , veteran winger Wonder ‘Samba Jive’ Nhleko and experienced goalkeeper Sandile ‘Nkomishi’ Ginindza to mention a few.
Meanwhile Swallows have reportedly signed ex – Mbabane Highlanders centre-back Aristote Tamuzi. The [player is be lived to have signed a four months contract in the club.
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