COACH GCINA DLAMINI BACK AT ILLOVO
MBABANE - Home is where the heart is.
These sentiments ring true for seasoned Coach Gcina Dlamini, who has rejoined the Lubombo-based outfit after more than a season away. Dlamini began the 2022/23 season with Seven Dreams (now Sidwashini United), before making a switch to Denver Sundowns, where he departed, just five matches before the season concluded. He has now been confirmed as the returning coach of Illovo, a club where he notably developed talents such as Mbabane Swallows midfielder Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze.Earlier reports had suggested that Dlamini opted to return to Sundowns instead of considering offers from the MTN Premier League. This reunion marks the end of an 18-month separation, where Dlamini left the club in April 2023 due to medical issues.
Parted
Prior to his exit, he had reportedly parted ways with Moneni Pirates, having joined the black and white team midway through the 2023/24 MTN Premier League season. His mission was to rescue Pirates from the looming threat of relegation, a goal he achieved on the final day of the season with a 1-all draw against Illovo. Dlamini now takes over from the legendary Zwelibanzi ‘Botsotso’ Khoza, who has moved to ambitious National First Division side Tambankulu Celtics.
Dlamini will lead Illovo alongside Fanie Sithole, who holds a CAF Licence C, a FIFA Fitness Certificate, and a Grassroots Certificate. Sithole has a rich history with Moneni Pirates, playing for them from 1995 to 1997 before joining Ferroviário in Mozambique in 1998. He has also coached clubs such as Rail United, Milling Hotspurs, Denver Sundowns and Mpumalanga Hlanzeni United. Illovo Chairman Gcina Ndwandwe has confirmed that the former Sundowns mentor has been tasked with leading the team this season. “Their mandate is to ensure the team survives relegation. They will have an option to extend their contracts after the season ends,” Ndwandwe stated.
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