Times Of Swaziland: EZULWINI UTD COACHLESS AHEAD OF TRADE FAIR

EZULWINI UTD COACHLESS AHEAD OF TRADE FAIR
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Sanele Jele on 01/09/2024 08:23:00


MBABANE - With merely a few hours remaining before the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup,
Ezulwini United find themselves without a coach.
Sources indicate that the coach has departed the team following a mutual
agreement between both parties to part ways.  Mpumelelo ‘Mapho’ Ngwenya had
been at the helm of the club after Ikabort Masocha transitioned to the
Zimbabwean side Harare City. Ezulwini United Management Committee (MC) Chairman
Sonkhe Kuhlase, has confirmed that they are actively seeking candidates to fill
the coaching position ahead of the Trade Fair Cup.  “I was unaware that he had
left the team, but I can assure you that we are definitely engaging new
candidates to take charge. What I can guarantee is that we will have a new coach
in place before Monday,” stated Kuhlase.
In the meantime, Ngwenya has confirmed his departure from the club. “The
project was becoming increasingly too big for me, and I felt it was best to hand
it over to someone capable of realising the vision,” remarked Ngwenya. He
expressed gratitude to the team for providing him with the opportunity to
showcase his expertise.  ‘Mapho’ first joined the team in 2009 when it was
known as Tinyosi in the Super League. He has also managed Ludzeludze Killers and
Hlathikhulu Tycoons during his career. Rehired in 2023, he was tasked with
promoting the team to the elite league, a goal made more attainable when
Ezulwini United acquired Tambuti’s status.
Rlegation
Ngwenya successfully steered Ezulwini away from relegation after a dismal start
to the season. For a significant portion of the past season, they languished at
the bottom of the league table, but as the MTN Premier League drew to a close,
they found their rhythm, ultimately finishing 10th in the 14-team league. Denver
Sundowns and Manzini Wanderers faced relegation, though the latter has contested
their demotion, alleging that Sundowns fielded an ineligible player, Jimoh
Moses. This matter remains unresolved.  When asked about his future plans,
Ngwenya indicated that he is awaiting new opportunities and will assess his
options from there. Ezulwini United is set to face Illovo tomorrow in the 8Bet
Trade Fair Cup, with kick-off at 4pm at Mavuso Sports Centre.