Moroka Swallows bring club legend Andries ‘Chaka-Chaka’ Mpondo into revival project

Moroka Swallows SC chairman Walter Mokoena has recruited club great Andries ‘Chaka-Chaka’ Mpondo to help rebuild the historic Soweto side after its return to amateur football.

The Dube Birds have been relaunched as Moroka Swallows SC (Sports Club), with Mokoena leading the new project. The businessman and former broadcaster has experience of running a successful club in South Africa’s amateur divisions, having previously owned Walter Stars FC in Middelburg.

That club helped develop future stars including Happy Jele and Mandla Masango.

Swallows’ revival follows a turbulent period for the 79-year-old institution. In 2024, the club effectively disappeared from professional football after years of financial problems, with its top-flight status sold to Marumo Gallants.

Mokoena confirmed in October 2026 that the club had been registered as a new legal entity. Its competitive return came last Saturday, when the newly formed side faced Wits in the Hollywoodbets SAFA Regional League in the Johannesburg region.

The team is coached by Alex Bapela, but the club’s ambitions extend beyond football. Under its Sports Club structure, Swallows has already created netball and basketball divisions, while running and rugby are also planned.

The club is negotiating with the City of Johannesburg over permanent venues in its traditional Soweto base. Facilities in Meadowlands and Dobsonville are among those being considered.

Mpondo said he had accepted an invitation from Mokoena to become involved alongside Joel Mnini, although the details of his role have not yet been formally announced.

“Yes, I am part of the club, but the details have yet to be made official. I am involved with the club,” Mpondo told KickOff.

“Walter Mokoena is the person reviving this great club after acquiring the status of Dlamini All Blacks in the SAFA Hollywoodbets Soweto stream. He invited me and ‘Ace’ [Joel Mnini] to join. The direction is clear.”

Mpondo said the club’s return would be welcomed by supporters who had endured years of uncertainty over its future.

“This is good news for the Swallows family because people had begun making fun of us in the streets, saying we were legends of a club that no longer existed. I am very happy that Swallows is finally back,” he added.

He believes restarting in the amateur game provides a sound foundation, while leaving open the possibility of a return to the professional divisions.

“It is a positive development for the club to start again at amateur level, although there may be an opportunity to acquire a status in the professional ranks as time goes on,” Mpondo said.