‘BULL’ TURN TO MHLONGO

MBABANE – Will assistant coach Bongani Mhlongo lead Mbabane Highlanders in the six remaining games of the season?

At least three days before the tricky MTN Premier League clash between Highlanders and Vovovo, the confusion surrounding head coach Saul Chaminuka remains unresolved. The Zimbabwe-born gaffer was ‘frozen’ by the ‘Black Bull’ after the embarrassing 1-4 defeat to Young Buffaloes in the Ingwenyama Cup final over a week ago. With Highlanders returning to league action against unpredictable Vovovo at Somhlolo National Stadium this coming Wednesday, assistant coach Mhlongo, according to impeccable sources, will be in charge. The latter has been training the side since last Tuesday.

“What remains is for Highlanders and Chaminuka to finalise payout talks. If Mhlongo impresses against Vovovo, he might lead the team until the end of season,” speculated an impeccable source. Highlanders CEO Thulani Khumalo assured that there would be a way forward before the end of the day, as the coach was expected to meet the directors today.
“The meeting between the coach and the directors will give us direction,” he said. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the head coach, Khumalo said the spirit in camp was high and the Ingwenyama Cup setback was water under the bridge.  Grafter Vusimuzi Zungu was still away at home in South Africa since last week by yesterday.

“I was not at training today (yesterday), but if Zungu never showed up, he would be expected back by at least tomorrow (today),” said Khumalo. Also expected back at training is versatile midfielder Menzi Mamba, who was bereaved following the passing on of his stepmother. Meanwhile, Mhlongo, who is currently training the team said the players were looking forward to Wednesday’s showdown after recovering from the disappointing result. He preferred not to be dragged for comment when asked if he was ready to lead the team in the remaining games, highlighting that focus was on the game at hand.

“Management is supportive and the boys are confident ahead of the next game. We believe the league title is still within reach,” he said. Mhlongo was in charge in the early stages of the campaign after the departure of then coach Mlungisi ‘Professor ‘Ngubane.

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