Siyabonga quits ‘ Bull’ for ’ Downs

MBABANE – Former Mbabane Highlanders physical trainer Siyabonga Bhembe is now part of Denver Sundowns’ technical bench.

Bhembe was spotted in Sundowns’ MTN Premier League game against Malanti Chiefs at KaLanga EFA Technical Centre on Wednesday afternoon. Sundowns won 3- 1 on the day. He was seen taking notes while sitting on the Sundowns stand alongside the team’s CEO Elvis Dube.

Interviewed after the game, Dube confirmed t hat Bhembe has j oined them until the end of the season.

“We are preparing for next season so we felt we should bring Siyabonga to boost the technical bench. We believe his wealth of experience will come in handy to the team as we fight to evade the axe,” said Dube.

He also highlighted that they would definitely extend his contract next season. “He will be with the team until the rest of the season but we are looking to tie him on a long term basis. The reason we also brought him on board with few games before the league ends, is that we want him to familiarise himself with the culture of the team and hopefully when the new season starts, it will be easy for him to adapt,” he said.

Bhembe also confirmed the latest despite having been quoted in Wednesday’s publication saying he had not left Highlanders as he was yet to meet with his then boss, Chief Ally Kgomongwe. Sundowns will be his third team in the country as he also worked for Mbabane Swallows before going to Mbombela United in South Africa.

Deal

“It is almost a done deal and I am looking forward to helping Sundowns. I was invited here today ( Wednesday) to watch their game and analyse it, add my input where I think the team lacks fitnesswise and otherwise. I am happy they won, which was a good welcome for me and hopefully we will have fruitful talks with the bosses on my future,” Bhembe said.

When asked about Highlanders’ departure, he said he preferred not to comment on that as this was merely a story about him joining Sundowns. Bhembe joined Highlanders in September last year.

Before that he had a short stint with Mbabane Swallows during preseason as he was unveiled as assistant coach but somersaulted within that very same week to take a better offer with Highlanders. Bhembe was also an assistant coach at Mbombela United during the 2019/ 20 season before it was relegated to the ABC Motsepe League.