NEW COACH FOR SIHLANGU OPPONENTS, MALI
MBABANE – A new national team coach is expected to lead Mali in their upcoming 2025 AFCON Qualifiers against Sihlangu.
This follows an advertisement for the hot seat last week on their official social media platform. “Interested candidates must file their applications no later than this week Friday,” reads part of the statement. It is said the national team coach will sign a two-year deal and is expected to reside permanently in Mali during his period in office. The candidate should boast of a CAF PRO Licence, Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) PRO Licence or any other equivalent recognised diploma. They should have a good knowledge of French, working language and communication. Having a good knowledge of African football in particular and world football in general communication would also boost the chances of winning the race.
Results
Mali Football Federation sacked Head Coach Eric Chelle for producing poor results during the 2026 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup Qualifiers held in June. The team lost at home to Ghana for the first time in over two years and failed to beat 10-man Madagascar. Meanwhile, Sihlangu are also yet to know their coach. Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane recently said the new coach could be announced this week. The 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers is expected to take centre stage from early next month. Sihlangu will kick-off their campaign against Guinea Bissau on September 5 before facing Mali, a few days later. The format set by CAF for this qualification is to play two games each month (September, October and November).
Furthermore, the national team captain, Hamari Traore was purportedly suspended until further notice by the Football Federation of Mali of the country over a month ago. The 32-year-old Real Sociedad defender reportedly refused to appear at a disciplinary hearing following his comments about the federation after the team’s draw against Madagascar. Mali picked only a point in two matches during the World Cup qualifiers in June, suffering a home defeat to Ghana and a draw in South Africa against Madagascar. At the end of the games, the player reportedly went on a social media rant, calling out the federation for not doing things right.
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