Times Of Swaziland: BULL UNVEIL MWASE, PAPI, CHOCCO

BULL UNVEIL MWASE, PAPI, CHOCCO
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Melusi Mkhabela on 11/02/2025 08:11:00


MBABANE – A new dawn for the Mbabane Highlanders! The black and white capital
city giants have enhanced their technical staff with the appointment of Meck
Mwase as the new Head Coach. Additionally, former stars Xolani ‘Papi’
Sikhondze and Chief Xolani ‘Chocco’ Sibandze have been unveiled as scouts
for the ‘Bull’. This announcement was made yesterday at the Bethel Court in
Ezulwini, where, alongside the three technical additions, six players were set
to feature in their upcoming fixture against Shiselweni-based outfit, Rangers
tomorrow.
Highlanders will also benefit from Sipho Dube as their goalkeeper coach, while
former caretaker Coach Barnes Mkhulisi will take on the role of Technical
Director. Thembela Dlamini, who was an interim Coach, will now deputise for
Mwase. Notably, Highlanders have secured the services of former Moneni Pirates
winger Thando Dube, as well as two players from South Africa who were identified
as Teboho Malefe, who arrives from Platinum City Rovers and Kgauhelo Maboea,
formerly with Shimandele.
Joining
Another international joining the club is Bamba Maliwa, who will serve as a
central defensive midfielder. Furthermore, it has been revealed that the team
are still in search of a physical trainer and are optimistic about securing one
in the coming weeks. Highlanders Manager Makhosonkhe Gama expressed his
gratitude to the club’s family for sourcing a Chairman (Bheki ‘Rubber’
Simelane) who understands football and can identify the players’ needs.
“What I can say to our supporters is that the team is in good hands, and I
think they can see from our game against Leopard, which had minimal mistakes.
It shows how motivated the players are now,” said Gama. He further commended
the club chairman for successfully securing such additions to the team within a
two-week timeframe.
“What makes me happy is that he identified where the team needs to be
strengthened and was able to retain the players who have been supporting the
team through its previous challenges. Anyone else would have offloaded
everyone,” added Gama.
Progress
He also urged supporters to attend matches in large numbers so they can witness
the progress of the team, pledging their support for the chairman. Gama noted
that the newly-appointed Head Coach, Mwase, was still on his way to Eswatini
during the unveiling of the players yesterday. “It’s unfortunate that we
unveiled the players prior to his arrival, as he is coming from quite a
distance, but we promise that he will be seen very soon,” explained Gama. When
asked whether Mwase and the six new signings would be available for the fixture
against Rangers on Wednesday, Gama responded: “I cannot promise that he will
be there because he is still sorting out certain matters regarding his
departure.
This is to ensure that he can focus on Highlanders when he arrives, rather than
on what he has left behind.” Meanwhile, Maboea shared a few remarks on behalf
of the players, emphasising that they will certainly add to what Mbabane
Highlanders already possess, especially with their experience in South African
football. “We are bringing something different to what is already here and we
will assist each other as teammates. We have already seen that there is quality
in the club,” stated Maboea.
Experience
It is worth noting that Mwase has substantial experience in Eswatini football,
having previously coached Shiselweni-based teams Nsingizini Hotspurs and
returning to the ‘Bull’ after a prior tenure. The coach was in charge when
Highlanders almost won the MTN Premier League title, finishing just a point
behind eventual winners Royal Leopard, who amassed 46 points.
Mwase was reached for comment but requested to defer his remarks until he
arrives in the country, as he is still in Malawi. The delay is believed to have
been caused by contractual talks, with the coach reported to be eyeing at least
a salary of E20 000.
(Additional information by Ashmond Nzima)