Kamhapa earns Mbabane Swallows a Fifa slap | African News

Zimbabwe international Cabby Kamhapa’s stay in the MTN Premier League of Eswatini may have been short as a sneeze. Still, the Fifa slap on Mbabane Swallows in an over three-year-old battle over unpaid salaries could be a landmark cough that, like a fear tremor, could hit clubs and open prejudiced players’ eyes wide open.

In some sectors, the figure, ZAR13000, awarded by the world football governing board through a letter dated April 7, may seem small in magnitude. The threat of a three-player registration periods ban should Swallows fail to pay in 45 days will send many knees trembling and teeth-gnashing among errant clubs – a first of its own in Eswatini.

The letter signed by Erika Montemor Ferreira, Fifa’s Head of Player’s Status, read:

“We refer to the proposal made by the Fifa general secretariat in accordance with Art. 20 of the Procedural Rules Governing the Football Tribunal.

“As both parties tacitly accepted the proposal, we confirm that the following now constitutes a final and binding decision on all parties pursuant to the Fifa Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (hereinafter: the Regulations).

“The Respondent, Mbabane Swallows FC, shall pay Claimant, Cabby Kamhapa, ZAR13000 as outstanding remuneration. Payment (including any applicable interest) shall be made within 45 days as from notification of this confirmation letter.”

“Full payment (including all applicable interest) shall be made to the bank account set out in the enclosed Bank Account Registration Form. Pursuant to Article 24 of the Regulations, if full payment (including all applicable interest) is not made within 45 days of notification of this confirmation letter, the following consequences shall apply:

“The Respondent shall be banned from registering any new players,  either nationally or internationally, up until the due amounts are paid. The overall maximum duration of the registration ban shall be up to three entire and consecutive registration periods.

“The present matter shall be submitted, upon request, to the Fifa Disciplinary Committee in the event that full payment (including all applicable interest) is still not paid by the end of the three entire and consecutive registration periods.”

A jubilant Kamhapa said he hoped agents, clubs and players would take lessons and adhere to football statutes.

“Firstly, I would like to thank my manager George (Deda), for his sound advice and fighting with me in my corner, and I sincerely pray it will open the players’ eyes wide and keep all documents related to their contracts and payments. As players, we must be learned and well equipped to fight for our dues.

“For the clubs, this has to be a lesson and not dodge their promises and take the players’ contractual dues seriously. Time is past for clubs that do not meet their contractual obligations. Today I stand resolute and not intimidated that this judgment could jeopardise my career. My football talent will continue to speak for me,” said Kamhapa.

Trouble for Kamhapa and his fellow countryman Steven Makatuka, pictured above, started in October 2019 when they were ostensibly left in the cold and rain to soak and dry, finding themselves outside the Mbabane Swallows registered players despite having running contracts expiring.

In June, when the pre-season began, it all seemed all clear for the duo to form up part of the maximum five foreign nationals quota. However, the arrival of three South African nationals, Thabiso Mokenkoane, Vusumuzi Zungu and Sphamandla Dlamini, in the Birds’ nest meant the eight foreign internationals had to compete for the five slots.

The former Caps United players who had been January 2019 transfer window period additions were initially owed closer to ZAR30000, with Swallows honouring the payment agreement before playing a disappearing act.

Makatuka, who enjoyed ample playtime in all games since arrival, had initially abandoned the matter, but this could all change should he catch wind of Kamhapa’s victory.

By Munyaradzi Munzabwa 

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