CHAMINUKA FINALLY LEAVES ’LANDERS

MBABANE – After all has been said and done, Mbabane Highlanders have pulled the plug on their head coach Saul Chaminuka.

The Zimbabwe-born gaffer completely fell out of his employers’ favour after a disastrous outing in the Ingwenyama Cup final on Sunday, March 17 against Young Buffaloes.  The security forces side made light work of the Mbabane giants to cruise to a 4-1 win. Chaminuka has been on ice since the major setback.
meeting

After a management meeting yesterday, the two parties, according to impeccable sources, amicably parted ways with about two months still left on the former Zimbabwe national team assistant coach’s contract.

Some players, on condition of anonymity, confirmed being told about the departure of Chaminuka.
One of the directors at Highlanders in Member of Parliament Marwick Khumalo, when sought for comment last night, confirmed the two parties parted ways yesterday after a meeting earlier on the day, but said he was not the relevant person to issue a statement regarding the issue. Team CEO Thulani Khumalo and PRO Paul Masilela’s phones rang unanswered when sought for comment.

issue

Team Chairman Zweli Jele said there was a meeting to talk further on the issue today and it would only be then that the media would know the outcome.
As hinted by this publication yesterday, assistant coach Bongani Mhlongo will be in charge of tomorrow’s clash against Vovovo. Khumalo said the team was confident Mhlongo was ready to keep the fires burning after delivering results in his short stint before Chaminuka’s arrival. “Mhlongo will lead the team until further notice,” said Khumalo.

Mhlongo was in charge in the early stages of the campaign after the departure of then coach Mlungisi ‘Professor ‘Ngubane. The latter left after the 1-3 loss to rivals Mbabane Swallows in the league opener. Mhlongo led the team from game two to four until Chaminuka came on board. The former recorded wins against Malanti Chiefs and Manzini Sundowns but earned a point against Young Buffaloes.

handshake

Normally, when parties part ways amicably before the end of the contract, a handshake (payout) is involved. Impeccable sources had alleged that Chaminuka had negotiated for about E40 000, which included a salary for March and a notice pay. It could not be ascertained if he got the aforementioned amount.
The decision was taken less than 48 hours before the return to action of the team. Highlanders play Vovovo in an MTN Premier League clash at Somhlolo National Stadium tomorrow at 6:30pm.

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