E20K SALARY, CAR FOR MWASE

EZULWINI – The new Head Coach for Mbabane Highlanders, Meck Mwase, is poised to strike it rich. This revelation came during the unveiling of the new Highlanders technical bench, headed by the Malawian mentor. Mwase was officially presented yesterday as the new Head Coach for the ‘Black Bull’, tasked with leading the team until the season’s conclusion.
It was confirmed by Bheki Simelane, the new Director representative, Mandla Simelane, that negotiations initially began at E15 000, but the coach advocated for E20,000.

“We ultimately settled on E20 000 per month because we recognise his experience coaching the Malawi national team. National team coaches do not come cheaply, and we were compelled to bring him on board as we believe in his capabilities and his understanding of the team’s culture. We trust that he will transform the team’s fortunes as he leads us through to the end of the season.”

Oversee

This arrangement means that, excluding February, he will oversee the team until May, accumulating a salary of E60 000 by then. Additionally, the coach will receive a new vehicle for his use. “A new car has been procured for the coach’s office, which he will utilise,” Simelane announced. Mwase will be supported by former Madlenya Coach Vusisizwe Mahlalela, and a new goalkeeper Coach, Chicco Mayisa, was also introduced during the press conference, attended by Chief Scout Papi Sikhondze.

Mayisa shot to fame at National First Division side Black Swallows when he was stabbed by fans during a promotion decider at Mavuso Sports Centre back in 2012. This new technical bench will be in charge until the season’s end. When asked about his decision to join the team, opting for club duties over national responsibilities, Mwase expressed, “The memories I have with the team are invaluable. I love the Highlanders and their culture, and perhaps it is due to my familiarity with the new management that I felt joining them was a wise move.” He continued: “I am thrilled to be back at Highlanders.

Things have changed since I left, but I believe that to achieve results, we must work diligently, and I have faith in my technical bench.” On the team’s current log position, he remarked that while change is possible, it would require time and collective support. When pressed about aspirations for a top-four finish, he emphasised the importance of the team enjoying their football first, stating that success would naturally follow if that goal was achieved. Regarding his future with the team after the season, he indicated that it would depend on the management’s decision.

Meanwhile, Mahlalela expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as an Assistant Coach, noting his intent to learn from the head coach and apply his local football experience. Mayisa, a former Highlanders goalkeeper, acknowledged his understanding of the team’s culture and expectations, highlighting this as an opportunity to further his knowledge of Eswatini football. Their first challenge will come this weekend against Moneni Pirates. Currently, Highlanders sit in 11th place with 16 points after 15 games. Mwase takes over from Thembela Dlamini, who served as interim Coach following the resignation of Mthunzi Ginindza. Before Ginindza, Barnes Mkhulisi held forth while Highlanders were seeking a coach.

Mwase is a prominent figure in Malawian football, known for both his playing and coaching careers. He has made substantial contributions to the sport through his coaching roles and leadership of the national team. Mwase returns to the club after leading them to a runner-up finish in 2016 and had a brief stint with Nsingizini Hotspurs in 2023. He previously served as head coach of the Malawi national football team, playing a pivotal role in developing the squad and strategising for international competitions. Notably, in December 2023, a significant ruling was made by the Industrial Relations Court (IRC) in Malawi regarding Mwase’s employment, ordering the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to compensate him over E4 million for unfair dismissal.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: