SIHLANGU ‘ERNEST-LY’ NEED COACH MAVUSO

The curtain has fallen on what has been another superb Ingwenyama Cup.

Organisers and sponsor in Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF) ensured a flawless event was delivered under challenging circumstances. It was good to note that government, through the Prime Minister, Russell Dlamini, committed to fully supporting sports, arts and culture to ensure desired goals were reached. “His Majesty’s Government will upscale efforts to support sports, culture and the arts to ensure that our youth, in particular, can create decent and sustainable livelihoods through these sectors,” assured the Premier.

decoration

The highlight of the tournament was undoubtedly the decoration of Green Mamba as champions again by His Majesty King Mswati III at a rain-soaked Somhlolo National Stadium, this past Sunday. Green Mamba players hoisted Coach Ernest Mavuso in sheer ecstasy, as he guided the green and white ensemble to their third title in less than a year.   This past Sunday, the likeable gaffer brought home the Ingwenyama Cup at the expense of Mbabane Swallows after winning the league and Trade   Fair Cup in recent months. As a result, Green Mamba’s earnings during the period under review shot up to E2.7 million. Under unfavourably weather conditions, the Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa-inspired Correctional Services side showed verve to grind the result against sturdy opponents and the three-time champions, Swallows.

The man orchestrating the downfall of the opponents in all these tournaments does not get enough credit. It is none other than Head Coach Mavuso. From being a Mbabane Highlanders reject, Mavuso proved to be a man for the big stage and steered Inyoka Eluhlazane to back-to-back titles. He recently had a short stint with Sihlangu, where he was called in alongside Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane to assist the flunking Dominic Kunene. All Sihlangu coaches’ contracts expired at the end of the past month. The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) is still dilly dallying on deciding the future of the trio. Ntibane and Mavuso have been in charge only in the two-legged encounter against the continent’s whipping boys Somalia, which Eswatini won 5-2 on aggregate.

judged

This means they cannot be judged on that game. Unlike a man who has been in charge since 2020, beating only one country in a qualifying match; Mavuso and Ntibane are yet to be given enough time to prove themselves. If the EFA cannot advertise the post and start recruitment, then Mavuso and Ntibane’s contracts should be extended. They should either work as co-coaches or Mavuso should take over, with Ntibane assisting him. If Dominic’s contract is also renewed, he should be the goalkeeper coach or kit manager and should not be allowed to interfere with the duo’s duties.  Mavuso is needed for the nation to start believing in the national side again. With Kunene, we are stuck and flagging a dead horse.  From positivity to enthusiasm, Coach Mavuso boasts almost all the attributes of a quality coach. He is focused, goal-oriented, knowledgeable, observant, respectful, patient and a clear communicator.

Obviously, Mavuso is no magician, but with a proper plan and support, he can steer the national side to greater heights. Realistic targets can be set with him, starting with reaching the final of the Council of the Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Cup Senior Challenge. Top of the priority list right now is creating a Sihlangu winning culture, as the team has been reduced to a bunch of losers under Kunene. We had a defensive coach who looked content with a draw. Before we start thinking of qualifying for major tournaments, we need a coach with a proper plan who will not make questionable decisions and selections.

overlooked

Under the current set-up, we look lost like an octopus in a garage, with deserving players overlooked under unclear circumstances. Gifted full-back Lindo Mkhonta, who plays for Zambia’s top side Zesco United, continues to be sidelined under unclear circumstances. A lot of ink and paper have been wasted on the performance report of Kunene, so focus now should be on the future not the past. “Our dilemma is that we hate change and love it at the same time; what we really want is for things to remain the same but get better,” once wrote Sydney J. Harris (September 14, 1917 – December 7, 1986), who was an American journalist for the Chicago Daily News and later, the Chicago Sun-Times.

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