I’LL PROVE LOCALS WRONG - PAPIC

MBABANE – Despite new Sihlangu coach Kostadin Papic not receiving local coaches’ open support, he is ready to work with them.

Papic, who is currently stuck in his country, Serbia because of visa challenges, was responding to questions from this publication following comments by Eswatini Football Coaches Association over the past weekend. The EFCA, through their chairman Anthony Mdluli, felt their reputation was injured when the Eswatini Football Association opted for a foreign coach for the Sihlangu post. Mdluli, a former Sihlangu coach who was relieved off his duties with his technical bench, was quoted by this publication saying the position could have been given to a local coach. Mdluli was further quoted to have said he would not turn down an offer to be an assistant coach given a chance.

He also stated that they would support Papic despite that EFA has snubbed local coaches for the head coach of the national team. “Well, if they think that a local coach could have done a better job, I will prove them wrong. I will do my best to make them believe in me as a coach,” Papic said.

Local

When asked if he would consider having a local assistant coach, he said; “When I arrive in the country, I will have to meet the coaches association and have a chat with them. I would not mind having a local assistant coach,” the former Orlando Pirates coach disclosed. He further said for him to be successful, he needs the support of all the stakeholders, which include the coaches, media and supporters. On another note, Papic said he was still sorting issues of air tickets and visa for him to be able to travel to the country. “Had it not been issues of visas, I would be on my way already but I am hoping that by the weekend I would be in the country,” he said. Papic’s first assignment will be in March. Sihlangu will play against Tunisia in the AFCON Qualifiers game. The Serbian mentor has been offered a 12-month contract which carries a package of E720 000.

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