SWALLOWS HIRE TOP ZAMBIAN COACH
MBABANE – Giants Mbabane Swallows have been boosted by the acquisition of highly qualified Zambian coach, Christopher Tembo, before venturing into Africa next month.
Tembo, 47, who boasts of immeasurable experience coaching in the Zambian elite league, was unveiled by the CAF Champions League bound side at MVtel offices at Sidwashini yesterday.
Ironically, Swallows face Zambia’s Nkana FC in the preliminary round of the continental inter-club tournament early next month. Swallows acting CEO Sibusiso Manana said Tembo would be co-coach with current mentor, Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe, on a five-month renewable contract.
“Tembo is well versed about our opponents in the CAF Champions League and we hope he will help us go through to the next round. The engagement is performance based and will be reviewed at the end of the season. He is not here to replace anyone,” he said. “We want to go beyond the first round in the CAF Champions League, so Tembo is the ideal candidate who can help us achieve our dreams,” said General Manager Sandile Zwane. Tembo said he was ready for the task at hand and disclosed that it was possible to beat Nkana in the two-legged clash next month.
ambitious
“It’s my pleasure to be joining an ambitious team like Mbabane Swallows. I’m aware that the appointment comes with high expectations. It is also a great opportunity to get exposure,” he said. “Nkana are beatable but their supporters are intimidating. There is nothing to be worried about in the field of play,” he said. Hlophe was also present during the press briefing and expressed his delight on getting assistance ahead of the CAF tournament.
Tembo has a CAF A Licence, CAF Youth Level High Diploma, Germany High Level Course, FIFA Youth Level, to mention a few . He was assistant coach at Zambia elite league outfit, Zanaco FC, winning the Super League, Coca Cola Cup and Mosi Cup. He once played for the Zambian National Team between 1990 and 1993.