Times Of Swaziland: SIDWASHINI UTD ‘FREEZE’ SITOFU

SIDWASHINI UTD ‘FREEZE’ SITOFU
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Machawe Fakudze on 28/11/2024 12:42:00


MBABANE - “It is a mutual agreement.”
These were the words of Sidwashini United Director Melizwe Mamba, responding to
speculation regarding the alleged exit of Head Coach Mandla ‘Sitofu’
Dlamini. A reliable source close to the Sidwashini-based club had earlier
disclosed that the former Young Buffaloes coach had been dismissed. “What I
have gathered is that the coach has been fired and will not be on the bench when
they play Buffaloes on Saturday,” the source stated. However, Mamba refuted
these claims, asserting that he and Dlamini had mutually agreed that the coach
would take a break for this particular match.
Elaborated
“We don’t want to put him in the spotlight as we are going to play against
his former team (Young Buffaloes),” Mamba explained. The director further
elaborated that they informed the former Mbabane Swallows mentor of their
intention to secure a victory against Amathole’zinyathi without his presence. 
“We don’t want to compromise his relationship with his previous employers as
we are definitely aiming for a win against Buffaloes,” he added. In contrast,
Dlamini dismissed Mamba’s assertions, revealing that his tenure with United
had indeed come to an end.
“I was informed by one of the club officials that Mamba was concerned I was
too strict with the players. I have faced Buffaloes whenever I have managed
another club, and I want to clarify that Buffaloes never prevented me from
playing against them,” Dlamini stated. He expressed concerns over the alleged
ill-discipline among players, which he felt hindered his ability to achieve
positive results for the team.
Troubling
“It is very troubling to hear officials claim they won the NFD league with the
players, while I am saying there is a lack of discipline. It is over between
us,” he concluded. Dlamini joined the Melizwe Mamba-owned side at the
beginning of the current season from Buffaloes, with his position at the army
side now filled by former national team Coach Dominic Kunene.