‘DOMINIC’S DISMISSAL NATIONAL SACRIFICE’

MBABANE - Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane says the decision to release former Sihlangu coach Dominic Kunene was made in the best interests of the nation.

‘Samora’ made these remarks at the official coronation ceremony for Amawele as the Hhohho Super League champions for the 2023/24 season, held at Sigwaca House, two days ago. The Mbabane-based side’s victory in the Hhohho Super League earned them a ticket to the MTN National First Division League in the upcoming season. “The national team represents the nation, and as such, all decisions related to it are made on behalf of the nation. When the team played against Mauritius and the media inquired about the coach, we had to respond in the interest of the nation. We could not delay in addressing this issue, given that the team was also preparing for the COSAFA Cup,” he said.

‘Dominic’s dismissal national sacrifice’
EFA President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane shared the expectations of the association, expressing confidence in the players’ abilities to excel in the upcoming 2024 Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Cup. The EFA president emphasised the importance of the national team representing the country with distinction, urging the players to demonstrate their skills and dedication on the pitch for the pride and glory of the nation. “We have a young and energetic team and we will use this team as a base for the AFCON qualifiers and we expect them to win the games,” Simelane shared.

He went on to reveal that the interviews for the new coach were a long process and they were looking for an affordable coach that would not be too expensive for the country. Meanwhile, the former Young Buffaloes coach was appointed Eswatini gaffer in 2020, taking over from former Orlando Pirates Serbian mentor Kostadian Papic. The country remains winless in the ongoing World Cup qualifiers and is Group D table-proppers in four matches. Sihlangu have also dropped six places in the latest FIFA World Rankings released on Thursday.

This is their worst ranking in 10 years, since being placed 164th back in 2014. According to the list released by the world football governing body, the Nuro Ntibane side have also moved six steps back to be ranked 46th out of 54 countries in Africa. Morocco and Senegal maintained their lead as the best African teams, while Egypt and Ivory Coast climbed to third and fourth on the continent.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: