Moneni Pirates F.C.

Moneni Pirates FC

Full name	Moneni Pirates Football Club
Nickname(s)	Buccaneers, Bhakajuju
Founded	16 September 1967
Ground	Mavuso Stadium Manzini, Swaziland
Ground Capacity	8 000
Chairman	December Mavimbela
Manager	Christopher Khoza
League	Swazi Premier League
2013–2014	10
Home colours Away colours

Moneni Pirates FC is a Swazi soccer club based in Manzini. They play in the top division in Swazi football. The team plays in white and black colors.

History

The club was established by Ngungunyane Matsenjwa, with an aim of bringing together youths of Moneni township in the outskirts of Manzini.

Prior to the club being taken over by Matsenjwa, it was known as The Blue Birds Football Club. In 1967, the club's name changed to Moneni Pirates FC, inspired by Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates. A lot of clubs in Swaziland are named after popular clubs in South Africa. This is because Swazi football fans follow clubs in South Africa, and the local clubs look to export talent to the more professional Premier Soccer League.

The club has been relegated from the highest league in Swaziland twice in its history – in the 1998–1999 and the 2005–06 seasons. On its return to the Premier League from the National First Division in 2009–10 season, the club won the one-day Swazi Telecom Charity tournament; which is the Swazi Premier League's annual season opener.

Stadium

Currently the team plays at the 8,000 capacity Mavuso Stadium in Manzini.

Performance in Caf competitions

• 1989 African Cup Winners' Cup: first round

Honors

• Swazi Bank Cup: 2015
• Swazi Telecom Charity Cup: 2009
• Trade Fair Cup: 2001
• Inyatsi Top-8: 1995
• BP Cup: 1992
• Interboard (Trade Fair) Cup: 1992
• BP Cup: 1989

Managers

• Mlamuli Zwane (2015–16)
• Happy Simfukwe (2014–15)
• Golding Dube (2014–15)
• Van Rooyen Magagula (2013–14)
• Zenzele Dlamini (2005–06, 2012–13 – last 5 games; 2013–14 – first round & 2014–15 – Assistant Coach from January 2015)
• Harries Bulunga (2012–13)
• Dumisa Mahlalela (2003, 2006–07 & 2011–12)
• Mlamuli Zwane (2008–09 – 2010–11)
• Sipho Sibandze (2002–03 – 2003–04)
• Christopher Khoza (1999–2000 & 2001–2002)
• David "Botsotso" Manyatsi (2000–01)
• Jan Simulambo (1998–99)
• Mandla Dlamini (1997–98)
• Nino Mahel (1996–97)

Chairmen

• December Mavimbela (2014 – Present)
• Thulani Hlanze (2010–2014)
• Sipho Matse (2008–2010)
• Zakhele Dlamini (2006–2008)
• Bhekisisa Zwane (2000–2006)
• George Motsa (1997–2000)
• John Maziya (1991–1997)
• Desmond Oswin (1986–1991)
• Mathokoza Mtsetfwa (1985–1986)
• Ngununyane Matsenjwa (1967–1985)

External links

• Soccerway
• Weltfussball