MBABANE – Nsingizini Hotspurs’ Mandla Qhogi and Manzini Sea Birds’ Friday Myeni have been shortlisted to lead Sihlangu temporarily during the upcoming COSAFA Cup.
This is according to a reliable source within the Eswatini Football Association (EFA), who confirmed that the search for coach to guide the national team through the 2026 Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Cup has narrowed down to these two prominent figures in the local game.
“Qhogi and Friday have been shortlisted for COSAFA,” the source said.
This revelation comes barely 15 days before the regional men’s football showpiece, scheduled to take place in South Africa from May 27, 2026, at a venue yet to be announced.
“The EFA is now racing against time and, considering the two coaches’ performances in the league, they are the right candidates to lead the squad in the upcoming COSAFA Cup,” the source added.
The source further revealed that an announcement regarding the final appointment is expected shortly, as the national team looks to begin intensive preparations for the tournament.
The football authorities are currently searching for a permanent head coach to fill the hot seat vacated by Croatian gaffer Zdravko ‘Loga’ Logarusic in September last year. Logarusic was initially replaced by former Royal Leopard award-winning Coach Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane. However, ‘Nuro’s’ short-term contract, which saw him lead Sihlangu in the failed TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preliminary qualifiers against Eritrea, expired at the end of March.
It is worth noting that Qhogi has been highly influential in Nsingizini’s meteoric rise this season, securing a historic double by winning the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup and the recently-concluded Ingwenyama Cup. He is also currently on course to claim the 2025/26 MTN Premier League title.
Similarly, Myeni’s consistent work with Sea Birds has earned him a spot on the shortlist. ‘Izinyoni Zolwandle’ have punched well above their weight this season and remain mathematically in contention to win their maiden league trophy. Meanwhile, EFA Marketing and Communications Manager Muzi ‘Rhoo’ Radebe said he was not aware of the latest development regarding the Sihlangu coach.
“What I know is that the ExCo (Executive Committee) met on Monday to discuss, among other issues, the Sihlangu coach, but they did not finalise it,” Radebe said.
It is worth noting that some of the coaches who have applied for the post include former Mbabane Swallows mentors Honour Janza and Christopher Ennin. European-based coaches Sam Rafique and Darko Janackovic are also reportedly in the running.
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