Banished by EPL, Thaksin's love of soccer dies hard

Thaksin, also ousted ex-Thai premier, will be accompanied by Man City's Executive director Jack Srisumrid, the paper said, adding they were scheduled to land on the country shortly after 3pm.

The former Thailand Prime Minister, who had his US$1.5 billion (about E12 Billion) cash assets seized by the Assets Examination Committee two years ago, will be in the country on a private visit, confirmed .

Swaziland's Foreign Minister Lutfo Dlamini confirmed the report, saying that Thaksin will make a private visit and to opportunities in the country. Thaksin has indicated his willingness to help local teams on many spheres," Dlamini said.

He said he had long extended the invitation of the former Manchester City owner to the Premier League of Swaziland (PLS) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sydney Simelane.

Dlamini said Thaksin's area of concern is how to help the teams raise funds and the general administration of the game.

"On August 31, he will be available to the teams to share ideas. He is in Cape Town right now," he said.

Dlamini said Jack Srisumid represents Thaksin in the Manchester City Executive Board where he is the executive director.

Manchester City are currently the toast of English football after spending millions in British pounds buying top players and recently came in South Africa to participate in the Vodacom Challenge in July where they played Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.