MBABANE – The MTN Premier League coaching merry-go-round is gathering pace, with five clubs changing technical leadership during the opening weeks of the 2026/27 campaign.
Amawele, Mbabane Highlanders AM, Mbabane Swallows and Celtics have all experienced coaching departures, raising questions about the patience afforded to coaches in Eswatini’s top-flight football.
The most dramatic decision came at Amawele, where Head Coach Mpumelelo ‘Mapho’ Ngwenya and his assistant Christian Thwala were dismissed after just one league match.
The side suffered a 3-0 defeat to Ezulwini United in their opening fixture, with Banele Nkambule scoring twice before Boniswa Gama completed the rout. Management subsequently appointed former Green Mamba Coach Bongani Mhlongo to take charge.
Highlanders AM, meanwhile, have been left without a permanent head coach after Floyd ‘Mourinho’ Mogale reportedly resigned following four league matches. The South African tactician’s record included a 4-1 victory over Amawele, a goalless draw against Green Mamba, a 2-0 defeat to Royal Leopard and a 1-0 loss to Nsingizini Hotspurs. The results yielded four points from a possible 12.
Assistant Coach Percy Shongwe is now in charge as club management considers the next move.
Seven-time league champions Mbabane Swallows have also undergone a technical change, with Sindiso Gama resigning on October 15 after three league matches.
The Birds had drawn 0-0 against Madlenya; lost to Ubombo Sugar and drawn 1-1 with Red Rhinos, collecting two points from a possible nine.
Gama cited poor working conditions, including unpaid salaries and a lack of daily petrol, in explaining his departure. Mduduzi ‘Sikhalo’ Nxumalo has since taken charge of the team.
At Celtics, South African Coach Sonnyboy Zitha left after three matches following a management decision. His departure came after defeats to Amawele and Green Mamba, followed by a draw against Madlenya.
The club subsequently appointed seasoned tactician Ernest Mavuso on a one-year contract, with an option to renew.
Celtics had collected one point from their opening four matches, including a 4-1 defeat to Royal Leopard; a 1-0 loss to Amawele; a 2-0 defeat to Green Mamba and a draw against Madlenya.
Mavuso has been tasked with lifting the club from the foot of the standings and guiding it into the top eight.
The latest developments are not without precedent. In January 2026, Manzini Wanderers dismissed Gcina Dlamini following a 4-0 defeat to Young Buffaloes, while Highlanders parted ways with Ernest Mavuso in February 2022 despite being top of the league and having gone 10 matches unbeaten.
The current season, however, has brought the issue into sharper focus, particularly with Amawele’s decision to dismiss their technical team after a single fixture.
While clubs have the right to make changes in pursuit of results, the rapid turnover raises questions about recruitment, pre-season planning and the time coaches need to build competitive teams.
Eswatini Football Coaches Association (EFCA) Chairman Member of Parliament (MP) Ray Dlamini, when addressing membership during this past Sunday’s general assembly, registered their concern on coaches leaving teams unceremoniously. He felt the move was bringing the association into disrepute.
