Moroka Swallows supporters seek clarity over club’s revival

Moroka Swallows supporters have been left surprised and confused by the emergence of Moroka Swallows SC, the newly formed club being launched under the leadership of South African broadcaster and businessman Walter Mokoena.

Mokoena has taken ownership of the historic Soweto institution and begun a major rebranding programme, rather than establishing a completely new club. The organisation will operate under the name Moroka Swallows SC, with “SC” standing for Sports Club.

The Dube Birds have been absent from the top flight since selling their status to Marumo Gallants in 2024, following serious financial problems. The club is now preparing to return to football from the lower divisions, with Mokoena working alongside Moroka Swallows legend Joel ‘Ace’ Mnini.

However, prominent supporter Bafana ‘Congo’ Malekutu says many fans were unaware that a Moroka Swallows team was competing in the lower tiers.

“The first time I heard about Moroka Swallows Sports Club was last week Friday when people started calling me asking me to go with them to watch a game at Milpark. I was surprised because I never knew there was a Moroka Swallows in the lower divisions. The only Swallows team I know is the Legends’ one of players like Steve Sekano and Lefa Tsutsulupa,” Malekutu said.

He added that his understanding had been limited to the supporters’ Bring Back The Birds Campaign, while a meeting with Mokoena was reportedly being arranged.

“The only thing I know is the leadership of the ‘Bring Back The Birds Campaign’. So, I’m surprised by the whole thing, but apparently our leadership is busy scheduling a meeting with Walter Mokoena during the course of this week.”

Malekutu said supporters would welcome the club’s return but wanted those involved in the revival to communicate directly with recognised representatives of the fan base.

“It will be a good thing to see our team back again, but whoever is planning to revive the team must use the right channels to do so by meeting the representatives of the supporters, at least. We don’t want to learn things through the media. What’s happening right now is causing confusion to the fans.”

He also warned that supporters did not want competing entities claiming the Moroka Swallows name, particularly because they understood that the club’s certificate was held by another party.

“We are prepared to support whoever wants to bring back our brand. We just don’t want to see a situation where we will one day have two different Moroka Swallows in one country. Because we understand the club’s certificate is with someone else.

“We want the Moroka Swallows that was celebrating its 79th anniversary recently,” he added.