Swallows FC chairman David Mogashoa is working hard to make sure that the Birds return to the name Moroka Swallows.
Currently, Mogashoa and the Swallows hierarchy cannot register the club as Moroka Swallows because of an issue regarding Brazilian player Igor Alves.
The 32-year-old Brazilian took Swallows, who were under Leon Prins at the time, to FIFA citing the club’s failure to pay him after they terminated his contract. Alves won the case after the then Swallows bosses ignored communication from FIFA.
“Our bus is branded Moroka Swallows, but we cannot register that name because of an outstanding historical matter between Moroka Swallows and Igor Alves from Brazil. I have asked SAFA to speak to FIFA on our behalf so that we can resolve the matter,” Mogashoa said.
“I’ve chosen to write to SAFA because there is a certain fee that Moroka Swallows were fined by FIFA. We can’t engage the player directly.
“What happened is that Igor was signed by Moroka Swallows, that is Leon Prins. The player, apparently, came with an injury, which he did not disclose. So Leon got upset and refused to pay the player.”
The non-payment issue was the genesis of Moroka Swallows’ problems with FIFA.
“Igor left the country and returned to Brazil without the outstanding money. He then took the club to FIFA saying that he had rendered services and was not paid,” Mogashoa said.
“It’s so sad because FIFA reached out to the club and no one responded. I’ve got records that FIFA did contact the club. We wouldn’t be where we are today if the club had resolved the matter with FIFA.
“As of last year, remember there is interest that has been charged, when I took over the club it was about R680 000 including FIFA charges. It could be about R750 000 now. I think this matter is going to be resolved before the end of this season. Having the historic name of the club is very important to the supporters than anything else.”
Despite the off the field challenge, the Dube Birds have done well so far this season. They are third on the DStv Premiership table behind log-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United. All three clubs have collected 27 points each.
