MBABANE – Capital city giants Mbabane Highlanders are set to appoint a new coach within five days following the departure of Selaotse ‘Sly’ Mosala.
‘Sly’ has been snapped up by Moneni Pirates after they hijacked negotiations with the coach once his short-term contract at Highlanders expired at the end of the season. On Wednesday night, both clubs; ‘Bull’ and Sea Robbers; announced his departure and arrival, respectively.
Highlanders however, say they will name Mosala’s successor on Monday as they continue their bid to reclaim the throne. This will be exactly the fifth day after they announced the departure of the heroic gaffer.
“Following the expiry of his contract at the end of the 2025/26 season, both the club and Coach Mosala engaged in discussions regarding a new agreement. Despite the best intentions on both sides, an agreement could not be reached, and it has therefore been mutually decided to part ways in an amicable and respectful manner,” the club said through a press statement.
Mosala has been thanked and wished success by his former employers as he joins the Buccaneers of Moneni on a two-year contract. He succeeds Mathews ‘Chaka Chaka’ Madlanzi, who also chose not to stay after the expiry of his short-term deal at Moneni.
Coach Mosala rejoined the ‘Black Bulls’ in February, replacing Ernest Mavuso in a dramatic 24-hour period. He found the team staring at relegation but steered them to a respectable fifth-place finish which is their best performance in three seasons.
“As we now turn our attention to the new season, the club remains fully committed to its ambition of competing for major honours and restoring Mbabane Highlanders to the summit of Eswatini football,” the club further said.
Efforts to obtain clarification from Highlanders Public Relations Officer (PRO) Thabiso ‘Touch’ Manyatsi were unsuccessful as his mobile phone rang unanswered. ‘Touch’ was sought for enlightenment on whether the team had been conducting recruitment sidelines during negotiations with their former coach, or whether the process would take place over the this five-day period.
At Pirates, Mosala was chosen ahead of some candidates, including Mavuso and former Buccaneers Coach Christopper Ennin.
“His tactical expertise, leadership qualities and football philosophy align with the Club’s vision of building a competitive, disciplined, and successful team,” Moneni said. He has been tasked with building the highest sustainable winning culture at the club.
Mbabane Highlanders are set to announce their former gaffer Selaotse ‘Sly’ Mosala’s successor at the start of next week. (Pic: Nimrod Hlophe)