Ex-’Downs gaffer attacks local football
MB A B A N E – Ingwenyama Cup defending champions’ gaffer Ernest Mavuso has come out to say he is going to defend the title in finals.
Mavuso shared these statement during the much-anticipated Ingwenyama Cup sponsored by Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF) tournament pre-match press conference, held at the Sigwaca House yesterday. Eswatini football powerhouses and forceful sides Green Mamba and Young Buffaloes will face off in the semi-finals of this knockout tomorrow. The renowned Somhlolo National Stadium is set to witness this thriller with gates set to open as early as 9am.
“We are going to the finals and players are all fit the only player who will miss the match is Njabulo ‘Magwegwe’ Magagula. We have prepared to match our opponents’ standard as we know their style of play,” he said.
Meanwhile, Buffs Coach, Mandla ‘Stofu’ Dlamini shared that they were not in any kind of pressure.
“We are not scared and we are prepared to beat Mamba. All our players are fit except for Siboniso
SKIPPERS IN THEIR OWN WORDS:
“The match will be intense, as it is a forces derby and everyone wants to win. I promise Mamba fans a great time and urge them to come and watch.”
“Players are coming okay as training shows we are going to a semi-final. I would be happy if we won.”
‘Gaxa’ Ngwenya,” Dlamini said.
On the other hand, tickets will be sold at the gate at E50 each with an electronic device set to scan them in and out of the stadium. This was confirmed by Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kenneth Makhanya during the pre-match press conference. “Supporters will be required to scan tickets out if they wish to come out of the stadium,” Makhanya said.
“This experience has prepared me for a potential future return to the country. I appreciate the team for giving me the chance to work with them, but all good things must come to an end,” he shared.
To drive improvement in the country’s league, the former Wanderers coach suggested tapping into the experience and expertise of emaSwati professionals who have played abroad, such as Dennis ‘Yuki’ Masina, Absalom ‘Scara’ Thindwa and William ‘Cool cat’ Shongwe, among others.
“The league would greatly benefit from assembling a team of experienced professionals who have gained valuable insights through their international careers.
Meeting
“By convening a meeting with individuals like ‘Yuki’ Masina, ‘Scara’ Thindwa, and ‘Cool cat’ Shongwe, along with other seasoned players, the league can collectively brainstorm solutions tailored to Eswatini football’s unique challenges. It is essential to embrace change and progress by implementing modern approaches and learning from successful practices in other leagues. Only by adopting this forward-thinking mind-set can the league avoid being left behind and enhance its overall product,” he added.
Meanwhile, PLE CEO Kenneth Makhanya stated that the former Denver Sundowns coach was entitled to his own opinion.
“In response to the former coach’s opinion, I acknowledge that everyone is entitled to their own views and perspectives,” he said.
Eswatini Football Coaches Association (EFCA) Secretary Musa Mamba expressed disappointment at the former coach’s statement, deeming it ‘irresponsible’ to claim that the league system was ‘ killing’ Eswatini football. Mamba emphasised that everyone involved, including the league management, was working diligently to elevate the standard of Eswatini football and make it competitive on a regional level.
Caution
“As the secretary of the Eswatini Football Coaches Association, I urge the former coach to exercise caution when making public statements. Our association came across his comments on social media and found it surprising that he had not raised these concerns before. We distance ourselves from his remarks and believe that any issues or grievances should be addressed through appropriate channels, ensuring constructive dialogue and collaboration for the betterment of Eswatini football,” Mamba said.
Meanwhile besides Baroka United, Milton has also coached teams such as the defunct Thanda Royal Zulu, Platinum Stars, Free States Stars and Mbombela United, among others. He also had a brief stint in 2021 with Manzini Wanderers, where he assisted in the technical bench. He was also part of Mbabane Highlanders technical team in 1997. He was once in charge of the yellow and white Manzini-based side in 2013.