MBABANE – Dominic Kunene will return to lead Sihlangu as interim head coach for the November international friendly against Malta.
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) confirmed the appointment yesterday, revealing that the substantive head coach has already been identified, with the association currently finalising compensation details.
According to the association, the interim technical team will oversee preparations for the November 2026 FIFA International Match Week, with the new substantive coach expected to join the national team during the period and possibly travel with the squad to Malta.
Kunene will be assisted by Caleb Ngwenya as assistant coach, Siza Dlamini as fitness coach and Thokozani Mamba as goalkeeper coach.
In its statement, the EFA explained that the interim arrangement was necessary because of the imminent international friendly and the logistical preparations required ahead of the trip.
The association further stated that, upon arrival, the substantive head coach would interview other coaches and identify those he considers suitable to form part of his technical bench.
The announcement brings Kunene back to the senior national team after previously leading Sihlangu between 2020 and 2024.
His record stands at 42 matches, comprising 12 wins, 13 draws and 17 defeats, according to published international coaching statistics.
His most notable achievement was guiding Sihlangu to the 2021 COSAFA Cup semi-finals, where they drew 2-2 with Senegal before losing on penalties. Eswatini subsequently claimed the bronze medal after defeating Mozambique in the third-place play-off, also on penalties.
During his tenure, Kunene also guided the team to two victories over Somalia in the preliminary round of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Young Buffaloes coach had previously been linked with a possible interim return, as the EFA worked towards securing a permanent foreign tactician.
Reports had suggested that a Moroccan coach was being considered for the substantive position under the football cooperation agreement between Eswatini and Morocco. The arrangement was reportedly expected to include financial support from Morocco towards the coach’s salary.
Kunene had earlier indicated that the EFA had not approached him regarding the possibility of returning to the national team.
“The EFA has not contacted me with regards to these reports. As a result, it is hard to state whether they are true or not,” he said.
He had also requested to comment further should the association formally approach him with an offer.
Meanwhile, the EFA has confirmed that the Sihlangu squad for the Malta assignment will be announced on Tuesday, November 3.
The international friendly is scheduled for November 12 at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium, with kick-off at 6:30pm. It will mark the first time Eswatini face a European nation in an international friendly.
