‘WESLIANS’
MBABANE - Manzini Wanderers have sacked under-fire Coach Terisayi Changara with immediate effect.
The Zimbabwe-born gaffer, whose relationship with management has reached an all time low in recent weeks, was relieved of his duties yesterday afternoon, following a crisis meeting by the directors.
According to impeccable sources close to the club, when the coach’s contract was terminated, poor performance was cited as the reason for the latest developments.
The hub giants could not deal with the fact that Changara was failing to win games, despite having many quality players that were signed at the start of the season.
Changara has only managed to win four matches in the 18 MTN Premier League games the club has played. The recent humiliating 5-0 defeat last Sunday to Denver Sundowns was allegedly the last turning point for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Diana Girlie Johnson-led management committee, after the coach was given enough time to try and change fortunes in the team.
Changara only managed four wins against Seven Dreams (twice), Denver Sundowns (first round) and Tambuti FC and collected only 14 points out of a possible 54 points.
The ‘Weslians’ Public Relations Officer (PRO), Lucky ‘Majayivane’ Dlamini, confirmed the latest developments when reached yesterday afternoon.
“Yes, it is true that the team has decided to terminate the contract of
LManaged OBAMBA - “Let’s build a new stadium.”
Members of Parliament (MPs) spoke in unison during the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Annual Performance Report debate, as they felt rehabilitating Somhlolo National Stadium was a waste of time and resources.
The MPs felt building a new stadium was a long-term solution, which could save the country from the lack of a stadium for category ‘A’ international matches.
MP Enos Magongo said the rehabilitation was taking longer than it had been anticipated. Since the start of the upgrade, over E70 million has been spent. Yesterday, this publication reported that the last phase of the rehabilitation programme was expected to be concluded next month. the coach after enduring bad results in the club.
“It is never easy parting ways but as a true servant, Changara has always placed the interests of the club above that of individuals. We wish the coach the best of luck in his future endeavours,” he said.
Meanwhile, Changara said he accepted the decision taken by Manzini Wanderers and wished everyone associated with the club well in the remainder of the season.
“I think this was coming after being unlucky with the results in the team, although the boys were playing good football.
“I understand the decision that has
“Why do they use the PPP to quickly revamp the stadium because it was taking long as sometimes they have to wait for funds before the rehabilitation process continues so that clubs can save money and play their CAF home games at home. It’s costly for local teams to play away from home,” said Magongo.
Wasting
MP Derrick Masuku said rehabilitation of the country’s soccer Mecca was wasting the country’s resources.
According to Investopedia, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) involved collaboration between a government agency and a private-sector company that can be used to finance, build and operate projects, such as public transportation networks, parks and convention centre. Financing a project through a PPP can allow it to be completed sooner or make it a been taken by the team as football nowadays is business.
“I just want to wish everyone that is associated with Manzini Wanderers, from the supporters to the stakeholders, good luck in the remainder of the season.” Changara said.
Assignment
The maroon and white are currently 11th on the MTN Premier League charts, having lost 12 of their 18 games so far this season and they next have a league assignment against fierce rivals Mbabane Swallows in a titanic fixture billed for Mavuso Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon.
Changara’s last game in charge was possibility in the first place.
“It is really embarrassing to play home games away from home. Since 1968 to 2023, we do not have a stadium to host CAF tournaments, let alone talk about hosting FIFA games. I am wondering if the rehabilitation process will make Somhlolo meet CAF standards or it will be a waste of funds,” said Masuku.
MP Welcome Shongwe wondered how much was needed to rehabilitate Somhlolo to meet CAF standards.
“The issue of Eswatini having to travel to other countries to host home games is costly to teams. Fans also struggle to watch their home games. The long-term solution is to build a stadium that meets CAF standards,” said Shongwe.
Sithobelweni MP Bhekitje Dlamini said, instead of spending millions on Somhlolo, a new stadium would be a last Sunday’s 5-0 loss to Denver Sundowns. Cocoach Mpendulo Mawelela will take charge of the team for the remainder of the current season.
Terisayi has coached a number of teams in the country including Mbabane Highlanders, Tambuti, Moneni Pirates, Denver Sundowns and Nsingizini Hotspurs to mention but a few.
welcomed change. He said it would take forever to fix Somhlolo and it would not meet the CAF standards.
Somntongo MP Dumsani Mbhamali also challenged the ministry to solicit funds to build a new stadium. He said it was a disgrace to play home matches away from Eswatini.
Benefit
Kwaluseni MP Sibusiso Mabhanisi Dlamini wondered what happened to the news that the country would benefit from the dismantled World Cup stadiums.
Minister Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga in his brief response said if they had it their way they would build a new stadium.
“If we had it our way we could build new stadiums. We will look for options like a private builder and give them naming rights. We are still talking with partners to build stadiums,” said Bulunga.
A new stadium would cost not less than E1 billion.