Moroka Swallows, one of South Africa’s most storied football clubs, could be on the verge of a new chapter with potential sale talks emerging on the horizon.
This comes as a surprise for the ‘Dube Birds’ who only recently got their Moroka Swallows name in July. One of the oldest DStv Premiership sides, Swallows were established in 1947, and fell from grace in the 2014/15 season, with subsequent relegations following.
The current owners, led by chairman David Mogashoa, were forced to purchase Maccabi’s National First Division (NFD) status and adopt the ‘Swallows FC’ moniker to circumvent a FIFA ban imposed for unpaid salaries to former players.
Despite overcoming these challenges and returning to the top flight, financial sustainability remains a concern. Twice, in the last three seasons, they have finished in the top eight. They finished sixth in the 2020/21 season, following their return to the topflight. Last season, they finished in position eight.
PAVING WAY FOR NEW OWNERSHIP AT MOROKA SWALLOWS
The club’s management is reportedly open to offers for the club, potentially paving the way for new ownership. While official confirmation remains elusive, the possibility of new ownership is reportedly imminent.
“There’s the possibility that the club could soon be in the hands of new ownership. Management is open to selling and it does seem like there’s interest to buy it,” a source said.
Over the weekend, the club’s chairman confirmed the salary situation had been resolved, and every player was paid in full.
The Dube Birds are woven into the fabric of South African football history, having been in existence for 76 years. They have in their ranks top talents including Andile Jali, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Gabadinho Mhango and Dumisani Zuma.
Swallows are currently eighth on the DStv Premiership table, having won five, drawn three and lost five games. They take on Royal AM on Saturday at the Harry Gwala Stadium in a DStv Premiership encounter. The Soweto side had a massive sponsorship deal with telecommunications giant Telkom rejected by the PSL in 2021. The partnership could have potentially changed the fortunes and trajectory of the club.
RELATED STORY: PSL club sniffing around Moroka Swallows striker Kagiso Malinga
