DE JOKE!

 MBABANE – New Sihlangu coach Pieter De Jongh’s contract will expire after just one match in charge of the team in the AFCON Qualifiers.

The Dutch-born gaffer was unveiled as Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga’s successor last Tuesday (March 21) during a media briefing at Sigwaca House in Mbabane, penning a one-year deal. His targets set by the National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) are headlined by steering Sihlangu to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Cameroon.

The road to Cameroon begins with six qualifying fixtures against seven-time champions, Egypt, as well as Tunisia and Niger.  With most of the qualifying matches next year, the nomadic De Jongh, who was announced as Sihlangu coach on March 3, could only lead the team in one game in the qualifiers for Africa’s flagship football tournament. The national outfit will first visit the weakest opponent in the group, Niger, in a showdown tentatively set for June 13.

The second game will be against Tunisia on March 27 next year; days after the end of De Jongh’s term. The rest of the fixtures that include back-to-back matches against Egypt will be played between September and November 2018.
NFAS President, Adam ‘Bomber’ Mthethwa, had told the media during the press briefing last week that De Jongh was required to help the side qualify for major competitions, especially the AFCON finals in 2019.  “We’re determined to take the national team to greater heights by qualifying for the next AFCON and other competitions. This is the coach’s mandate,” Mthethwa was quoted saying.

In essence, for De Jongh to take the side to Cameroon, his contract must be renewed.
However, he will have to impress his employers in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) Qualifiers between July and August this year. CHAN is a domestic version of the AFCON, featuring only locally-based players. Swaziland will face Zambia in the first hurdle before facing the winner between Botswana and South Africa.

Another lined-up tournament is the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Senior Challenge, which is yet to be launched.
NFAS Marketing and Communications Officer, Muzi Radabe felt his hands were tied on the matter, stressing that the future of the coach was up to his employers. He was sought for clarity on why De Jongh, who is set to net over E65 000 each month, was offered a short-term contract and if the NFAS was aware of the AFCON schedule before setting the targets. 

“I understand De Jongh has signed a one year renewable contract, but it will be up to his employers (FA Executive) to decide on his future next year. The set targets and contract terms are between the coach and his employer,” said Radebe.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: