Mbabane — Mbabane Swallows Football Club has clarified that the club has never belonged to the Gamedze family, responding to recent rumours causing confusion among supporters and stakeholders.
The club’s president, Absalom Mvaha Ngwenya, issued the statement on August 12, 2025, from the team’s headquarters at Lansdowne House in Mbabane. He explained that Mbabane Swallows Pty, owned entirely by former chairman Victor Gamedze, was created only as a fundraising tool and never held ownership of the club itself. According to the club’s constitution, ownership remains with the Mbabane Swallows supporters.
Ngwenya urged anyone claiming ownership of the club to settle the matter in court and warned against actions that damage the club’s reputation or create unnecessary tensions within the Swallows family.
Regarding supporter meetings, the National Supporters Committee (NSC), led by its chairman, holds exclusive authority to call national meetings. Branch chairpersons may organise local meetings but require NSC approval for any multi-branch gatherings. Issues raised locally must be escalated through proper channels to the NSC, and if unanswered, then to the club’s Management Committee or Board of Trustees.
Efforts to engage Mbabane Swallows Pty stakeholders in dialogue have been repeatedly frustrated by no-shows or last-minute cancellations, the statement said. These failed talks have delayed preparations to align operations for the upcoming 2025/26 season. The club expressed concern that alternative communication tactics have sought to damage its image, risking the loss of sponsors and causing confusion among fans.
On the sporting side, Mbabane Swallows is actively preparing for the new season with several friendly matches played locally and abroad. The coaching staff is evaluating players to strengthen the squad. All players from last season remain except one who was released after negotiations with prospective clubs.
The last national supporters meeting took place in 2012 in Mbabane. Since then, communication has been managed through existing supporter structures rather than large gatherings. The NSC remains responsible for calling any national meeting. The statement also noted that former chairman Gamedze once banned supporters branch committees after interference in club management back in 2008.
The club described a supporters’ meeting held on August 10, 2025, at Malkerns as illegal, stating its purpose was unclear and aimed at creating division.
Looking ahead, the club is consulting with key stakeholders including sponsors, management, trustees, and the NSC to revise the club’s governance structure. Proposals include giving supporters at least 10% ownership and board representation, and requiring all supporters and officials to belong to a recognised branch and hold membership cards. Further details will be communicated through official channels.
Finally, the club reminded the public that there is only one registered Mbabane Swallows FC and logo, warning that misuse of the name or emblem will result in legal action.
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