Update: Bongani Sam and Moroka Swallows part ways

The 26-year-old left back joined The Dube Birds on loan from their Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates and had been a regular up until the Christmas break when several players were involved in a dispute with the club.

With the Premier Soccer League forced to call off two DStv Premiership matches against Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows in December, the hierarchy took a decision to restructure – and Sam became one of the casualties.

SABC Sport understands deliberations behind the scenes between Sam, his representatives and Swallows have been ongoing for some time in an effort to find the best possible solution for the player.

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Sam has not featured at all since The Dube Birds played to a goalless draw away to Royal AM four months ago under then coach Steve Komphela.

Although Pirates cut striker Tshegofatso Mabasa’s loan spell at the same club short in January, it is understood Swallows were keen to hold on to Sam for the remainder of the 2023/24 season. But following protracted talks as well as a settlement agreement on money owed for the first half of the campaign, the two parties decided to go their separate ways.

Sam will now spend the next two months watching from the sidelines before his parent club take a decision on whether he will get a chance at Pirates for the upcoming campaign or be moved on permanently.  

Neither his representatives nor Swallows management were in a position to comment, but the public broadcaster has it on good authority that Sam will not play any part in the six matches or so that remain in the league.

The public broadcaster has been informed Sam, who asked his own attorneys to take over the matter instead of the SA Football Players’ Union, has a second hearing on 8 May to discuss a payment for the second half of the season.