Ennin boost for ‘Birds’
MBABANE – Ghanaian coach Christopher Ennin is back from home on time to lead his team Mbabane Swallows in its preseason training.
Ennin had missed the first week of training, triggering speculation from some sectors that he might not return to the ‘Umkhonto KaShaka’ ensemble.
However, Ennin who has been retained by the red and white side after joining them last season and finishing third in the MTN Premier League returned last Sunday. “I just arrived on Sunday and I trained with the team yesterday (Monday) morning and evening and then this morning (yesterday). So, I am still looking at things then I’ll know where we are,” he responded.
Ennin was surprised at the speculation saying he was happily back and working with his squad. His return certainly means the preparations will be getting more intense both physically and tactically while there will also be competitions with new signings. Swallows had given Ennin the mandate to take the team to the TOTALEnergies CAF Champions League by winning the league last season but it did not happen.
Chance
Nonetheless, after reviewing certain factors, Swallows’ President Archbishop Bheki Lukhele gave him a second chance with the same mandate again. He also has the support of the club’s management with its General Manager Sandile ‘Beyond 2000’ Zwane saying it is this season that they expect to be a better team as it is tough to get a team of stars to gel quickly. He said last season was a stage where they were building the squad which is why Ennin deserved a chance and everyone’s support to succeed.
Swallows kick start the 2021/22 MTN Premier League season against reigning champions Royal Leopard next month.