The Kings' Cup tournament in Swaziland where Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are scheduled to play will go ahead as planned amid threats by human rights lobbyists to launch a revolution should the clubs play in the tournament.
Sowetan reported earlier that Swaziland human rights lobbyists said systems were in place to launch a revolution should the teams ignore calls not to participate.
However, in a turn of events, in a joint statement released by Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN), Chiefs and Pirates yesterday, the pro-democracy group said it would have a follow-up meeting with the club's chairmen at a later stage.
This comes after SSN met with Chiefs' chairman Kaizer Motaung and Pirates' Irvin Khoza to raise concerns that the Swaziland government would use the tournament for "political posturing.
The club chairmen stated that whereas the clubs operate in an environment affected by politics, they cannot use the game to pursue political agendas. However, the two teams support democracy and respect human dignity," reads the statement.
The human rights lobbyists are fighting against King Mswati III for violating human rights and ruling the country with an iron fist.
Speaking to Sowetan early this month, SSN spokesman, Lucky Lukhele, said they would not allow the revolution to be "peed on by ignorant" people. But in the statement the SSN said Motaung and Khoza said the one-day event at Somhlolo Stadium on Saturday was organised to benefit soccer development in the region.
"The club chairmen agreed to meet with the SSN after they have sought advice and clarity from the political leadership in South Africa."
A source, who spoke to Sowetan from Swaziland, said locals were excited to see the two giants play in the kingdom.
"Tickets are selling like hot cakes, people are looking forward to seeing Chiefs and Pirates here. They can't wait to see their heroes like Bernard Parker and Siphiwe Tshabalala," said the source.
However, he said people might start asking questions after the tournament if the funds generated were not used for soccer development.
"The government has spent R5.8-million towards the tournament. People will ask questions if the money is not used for what it's intended for," the source said.
The tournament will also feature Mbabane Swallows and Royal Leopards.
macupeb@sowetan. co.za
New deal okays Swazi tournament
The Kings' Cup tournament in Swaziland where Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are scheduled to play will go ahead as planned amid threats by human rights lobbyists to launch a revolution should the clubs play in the tournament.
Sowetan reported earlier that Swaziland human rights lobbyists said systems were in place to launch a revolution should the teams ignore calls not to participate.
However, in a turn of events, in a joint statement released by Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN), Chiefs and Pirates yesterday, the pro-democracy group said it would have a follow-up meeting with the club's chairmen at a later stage.
This comes after SSN met with Chiefs' chairman Kaizer Motaung and Pirates' Irvin Khoza to raise concerns that the Swaziland government would use the tournament for "political posturing.
The club chairmen stated that whereas the clubs operate in an environment affected by politics, they cannot use the game to pursue political agendas. However, the two teams support democracy and respect human dignity," reads the statement.
The human rights lobbyists are fighting against King Mswati III for violating human rights and ruling the country with an iron fist.
Speaking to Sowetan early this month, SSN spokesman, Lucky Lukhele, said they would not allow the revolution to be "peed on by ignorant" people. But in the statement the SSN said Motaung and Khoza said the one-day event at Somhlolo Stadium on Saturday was organised to benefit soccer development in the region.
"The club chairmen agreed to meet with the SSN after they have sought advice and clarity from the political leadership in South Africa."
A source, who spoke to Sowetan from Swaziland, said locals were excited to see the two giants play in the kingdom.
"Tickets are selling like hot cakes, people are looking forward to seeing Chiefs and Pirates here. They can't wait to see their heroes like Bernard Parker and Siphiwe Tshabalala," said the source.
However, he said people might start asking questions after the tournament if the funds generated were not used for soccer development.
"The government has spent R5.8-million towards the tournament. People will ask questions if the money is not used for what it's intended for," the source said.
The tournament will also feature Mbabane Swallows and Royal Leopards.
macupeb@sowetan. co.za
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