MANZINI – Two South African coaches with strong PSL backgrounds went head-to-head in the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup final, with Selaotse ‘Sly’ Mosala emerging victorious over Floyd ‘Mourinho’ Mogale.
The final at Mavuso Sports Centre on Sunday, September 6 brought together two tacticians who have built their reputations in South African football before taking their coaching careers across the border to Eswatini.
Mosala, who guided Moneni Pirates to the trophy, has worked in the South African professional game with Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs including Sekhukhune United, Casric FC, University of Pretoria and Black Leopards.
Mogale, meanwhile, arrived at Mbabane Highlanders AM after an extensive career in South African football, including work with Mamelodi Sundowns, where he served as a scout, as well as coaching spells with Black Leopards and Royal AM. He also worked as an assistant at Chippa United and Free State Stars.
The two South Africans’ paths then crossed in Eswatini, with Mosala having coached Highlanders before moving to Pirates, while Mogale was appointed as his successor at the ‘Black Bull’ ahead of the new season.
Mosala’s Pirates eventually prevailed 4-2 on penalties after the final ended 1-1 in regulation time.
Despite the intriguing subplot of facing his former club, Mosala insisted the victory was not about proving a point.
“It was not about proving a point. I have to improve in my new team.
“We are colleagues. I have worked for a lot of clubs, so I do not have to prove a point.
“This was big for the supporters and our family and we have written history. You win your first trophy and you can do your best. We will keep on working.”
Mosala said his side’s preparation was crucial to their success.
“We had about eight weeks and they came to the party. They executed according to the plans and everything fell into place.
“We knew Highlanders would keep the ball. They were vulnerable at the back and we had to take advantage.”
He also felt Pirates should have been awarded a penalty during the match.
“We should have got the penalty. He needed to give it.”
Mogale, meanwhile, was left disappointed after Highlanders lost the trophy in the shoot-out but praised his players for their effort.
“Both teams were tired. It was unfortunate for the boys. It went on penalties and anybody can win.
“I am proud of them. They wanted to be champions and they tried their best. We did not want to lose to him but we lost to Sly.”
Mogale also called for greater rewards for the Highlanders supporters.
“The fans deserve more. I feel they are the Kaizer Chiefs of Eswatini. We need to reward them.”
The coach said he remained focused on developing a possession-based style at Highlanders.
“The league is competitive. I am teaching them ball play. We have experienced players who fit our style and we needed to play from the back.
“We need to win the league and Ingwenyama.”
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