Coach Dlamini to start afresh

Sibongiseni Gumbi

In their first two seasons in the National First Division, Mbombela United came close to winning promotion – losing in the play-offs on both counts. But last season was a contrast. The Nelspruit-based side were almost relegated with one point separating them from Super Eagles who finished 15th.

But new coach Milton Dlamini has come in with fresh ideas and says building a promotion-winning team will need some time.

“We had to start afresh,” said Dlamini (above). “We had to bring in new personnel and have a fresh approach. When you build a team you start from the back. We have played three friendly games and we have not conceded which is a good sign.

“I will now be working on our attack,” said Dlamini, who was Roger de Sa’s assistant at Platinum Stars last season.

While Dlamini knows their fans want the team to go for broke and try for promotion, he believes they have to be cautious.

“The obvious mandate when you are playing in the NFD is to promote the team. That is what we also want. All 16 teams in the division want that. We want it too. But we have to manage our campaign and not punch too much above our weight,” he said.

Dlamimi is looking forward to reuniting with De Sa although the two will be sitting on opposing benches. De Sa is now coach of newly-formed Cape Town Umoya United and Dlamini said when his former boss comes to town in two weeks, he will invite him to stay over at his house.

“Roger is my brother. He is my friend. We will have to have a little get together at my house,” he said.

But first Dlamini’s side will have to play University of Pretoria in their opening match at Tuks Stadium on August 18.