Outgoing Swallows president Panyaza Lesufi believes those that will take over from him have the capability to change the fortunes at the club and recover from their last season’s slump.
The Dube Birds survived by the Skin of Teeth last season after spending the better part of the season in the bottom half of the log. They finished 15 and had to take the promotion/relegation playoffs to save their status.
Lesufi announced he would step down from his role on Sunday, after his recent election as the Chairperson of the ruling party, ANC in the province of Gauteng.
In an interview on Power 98.7’s Power Breakfast with Thabiso Tema on Monday morning, the 53-year-old admitted that he leaves the club in a bad phase due to covid-a but is adamant things will improve.
“(I leave them in a) bad shape. I must be honest, I must confess. We went through difficulties,” said Lesufi.
“The team had to run almost two seasons under covid-19. That was the most difficult period. You can see from various club news that they released a lot of players. I think for the first time in the history of our football, you have got over 75 players released and unemployed as I am speaking to you now because clubs can’t cope.
“They can’t afford it and I don’t think Swallows are immune from that. It was a very difficult period; it affected our performance. The team had to go to the drawing board. I am glad they are continuing with their coach (Dylan Kerr). They are not replacing their coach and I am glad that they have gone through the market and acquired four or five new players,” added Lesufi.
“So, they are in a bad phase but I think they can recover. They have almost four weeks to turn things around and also try to get sponsorship because without a sponsorship I doubt they can survive.”
On who would be taking over in his role as president, Lesufi hinted that there is an interested party within the continent that has made an inquiry.
“I think they are trying to get somebody. I know they have had one or two meetings, there is also somebody from Africa. A crucial person that has deep pockets that made an inquiry. I will assist them if they need me but I am off the radar but it’s up to them whether they will want to replace me.”
