SHAKES MASHABA ON BULL’S RADAR

MBABANE – Could former Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba be the new Mbabane Highlanders coach?

According to classified information gathered by the Times of Eswatini Sports Desk, the former Sihlangu coach has been shortlisted to join the capital city giants. Another high profile former Bafana Bafana and England’s Everton midfielder, Steven Pienaar, is also being earmarked for the position. The source revealed that the Highlanders boss Ally Kgomongwe was constantly in touch with the coaches and it is highly likely that one of the two could join the ‘Black Bull’.

Reached for comment, Ally Kgomongwe confirmed having contacted the two coaches. “It is true that I have called these two coaches and both of them are willing to join the team. I will have to choose one of them. The reason the hiring of a new coach is taking forever is because of the coronavirus which has forced the suspension of the league,” said Kgomongwe.
He said other coaches both in South Africa and Eswatini had also shown interest in the vacant post. “People know that I have a team in Eswatini and they know that we recently parted ways with our former coach Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati. We need a new coach and by the time the league resumes we should have figured out who should take over,” he added.
He also highlighted that money was not a problem when it came to paying a coach.

“If the coach has all the qualities I need, then I can hire him and pay what is due to him. As long as they will produce results,” he said. When asked about the replacement of the CEO, he said; “This time around I am going to be like Donald Trump, I will give them a CEO whom I feel is right for the team. I do not want a person who will give us a problem at Highlanders. The team and the supporters must trust me that I will choose the best candidate for the CEO position,” he said.

Acting

He also disclosed that the CEO would hold the position on acting basis. Both Mashaba and Pienaar could not be reached to ascertain the approach from the Highlanders chairman.
Mashaba is a former coach of the local national side after being appointed in May 2008. He has also previously managed the South Africa national side, but was sacked on the eve of the 2004 African Cup of Nations in January 2004 after previously having been suspended. Mashaba has also managed club sides Vaal Reef Stars and Black Leopards. Meanwhile, Steven Pienaar on the other hand is a well travelled player having played in Germany for Borussia Dortmund, Ajax Amsterdam, Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspurs and Everton. He also played for Wits before he retired in 2018 to start a coaching career. He holds a UEFA A Licence.

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