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Threat of Swazi revolution if Bucs, Chiefs match proceeds

tyrant? King Mswati III is at the centre of controversy involving Pirates' and Chiefs' involvement in a tournament this month in Swaziland. Lobby groups are protesting against the teams' taking part in the tournament PHOTO: VELI NHLAPO
tyrant? King Mswati III is at the centre of controversy involving Pirates' and Chiefs' involvement in a tournament this month in Swaziland. Lobby groups are protesting against the teams' taking part in the tournament PHOTO: VELI NHLAPO

Swaziland human rights lobbyists say they have already put in place "underground" plans to launch a revolution should Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates play in a tournament organised by Swazi King Mswati III.

The participation of the two Soweto soccer giants in the King's Cup to be held in Swaziland next month will be discussed in a meeting this week with the clubs' bosses when they meet Swaziland People's United Democratic Movement (Pudemo) and Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN).

The lobbyists are fighting against King Mswati III for violating human rights and for ruling the country with an iron fist.

They said Chiefs' and Pirates' participation in the tournament would indicate that the teams were pledging their support to the monarch.

Yesterday, the Swaziland Supreme Court ordered the release of magazine editor Bheki Makhubu and human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, who have been in jail since March last year. They were sentenced to two years in prison for being in contempt of court. They had published articles critical of the then chief justice and the country's justice system.

Despite Swaziland's challenges, Chiefs and Pirates have confirmed they will be taking part in the tournament that has a top prize of R1-million.

SSN spokesman Lucky Lukhele yesterday said that they had already made plans for any outcome of the meeting.

"All systems are in place underground and overground in South Africa and in Swaziland should they [Pirates and Chiefs] decide to ignore us.

"Our revolution will not be peed on by ignorant people," said Lukhele. "We have a network of people who are helping us and we are ready for anything."

But Lukhele did not want to elaborate on their plans.

Last week, SSN and Pudemo were joined by representatives from the SACP and Cosatu in a meeting with Chiefs boss Kaizer Motaung and Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza at the PSL offices in Parktown, Johannesburg. The meeting was rescheduled to this week.

Chiefs' spokesman Vina Maphosa said they would go ahead with their plans to be part of the three-game tournament with their first match scheduled to start at 9am on July 18.

The final will be held on the same day at 3pm.

Pirates spokesman Floyd Mbele also confirmed their participation. - Additional reporting by RDM Newswire

sifilel@sowetan.co.za

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