Two out of 22 dismissed Moroka Swallows players have sparked comeback rumours as they returned to training after being shown the exit door by Maswaiswai earlier this month.
The Dube Birds released 22 players with immediate effect on 19 January 2024.
Despite the leaked statement of the club’s departing players that made rounds, Swallows never released any official statement to confirm the news.
THE 22 PLAYERS AXED BY SWALLOWS
Here is the full list of the 22 players that were said to have been dismissed by Swallows; Daniel Akpeyi, Thakasani Mbanjwa, Buhle Thompson, Bongani Sam, Mthokozisi Shwabule, Sipho Sibiya, Lantshane Phalane, Ephraim Mangweni, Tshediso Patjie, Wandisile Letlabika, Givemore Khupe, Thandolwethu Ngwenya Wade Poole, Siyabonga Khumalo, Falakhe Tshanini, Olwethu Khumalo, Strydom Wambi, Rampa Mkhuseli Ntsako Makhubela, Lindokuhle Mtshali, Kwanda Mngonyama, and Tlakusani Mthethwa.
The 22 players were fired due to the players’ strike in December 2023. This came after the Dube Birds pulled a plug on their DStv Premiership fixtures against Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows. This was due to an unresolved dispute over non-payment of salaries between the players and management.
The Soweto giants were scheduled to face Sundowns and Arrows on the 27th and 30th of December 2023 respectively.
As a result, Swallows were charged by the PSL Disciplinary Committee [DC] for misconduct and bringing the league into disrepute.
The club appeared before the PSL DC on Thursday, 11 January 2024. Swallows were then fined R1 million, with R600k suspended on condition that they do not commit the same offence during the period [24 months] of the suspension.
Meanwhile, Sundowns and Arrows were awarded three points each, with a scoreline of 3-0 [walkovers].
DISMISSED SWALLOWS DUO RETURN TO TRAINING
On Tuesday morning, the experienced goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi and the talented midfielder Tlakusani Mthethwa were spotted training with Swallows.
To add to that, the club itself took to socials to reveal the duo training with the team. This left football fanatics with unanswered questions.
Indications are that half of the 22 dismissed Swallows players are set to return to the Dube Birds nest following discussions with the club’s hierarchy.
These players are said to have agreed to take pay cuts to finalise their return to the club. Speaking on Marawa Sports Worldwide, the Swallows chairman David Mogashoa confirmed the players were found guilty of misconduct by the Swallows Disciplinary Committee.
According to the reports, former Orlando Pirates and Chippa United forwards Gabadinho Mhango and Gregory Damons are among the players who have agreed to take pay cuts.
Swallows will return to action on Tuesday, 13 February 2024 when they take on Cape Town City away from home in a DStv Premiership clash. The game will start at 19:30.
As things stand, Maswaiswai are placed 11th on the table with 19 points from 16 outings.
RELATED STORY: Moroka Swallows axe falls: 22 players shown the exit door
