SIYABONGA FLIES BACK TO ‘BIRDS’ NEST

MBABANE – Former national team Sihlangu Semnikati physical coach Siyabonga Bhembe has reunited with Mbabane Swallows ahead of next season.

Having finished the 2020/21 season with Denver Sundowns which he joined from Mbabane Highlanders with about five games to spare in the MTN Premier League, Bhembe has been open to offers and even made it clear he would not run out of a job with his experience. At Swallows is where he got the experience and popularity as they made records that extended to reaching the CAF inter-club group stages. “He’s back home and unless unforeseen circumstances happen, he’ll be here for the next three years,” said an impeccable source at Swallows.

The source said that Bhembe’s work was impressive while with Highlanders before he joined Sundowns, playing a part in helping them survive relegation alongside head coach Artwell Dludlu. “It’s best you get it from the club’s rightful officials or Siyabonga himself, but it’s good to have him back as Ennin’s assistant coach,” he said. Efforts to get Bhembe proved futile as he did not pick up his phone and at times it would be off the network. He also did not respond to WhatsApp texts sent to him about the latest news that were already circulating in some sectors, especially among the red and white faithful. Also, a close friend of the coach affirmed the news on condition of anonymity. “It’s not for me to speak about it but as my friend he made me aware of the decision to rejoin Swallows. It’s where he made his name so if he’s given another chance, he must take it, especially because Swallows are talking the African dream once more. His contract offer speaks to the club’s ambitions I believe,” said Bhembe’s friend and colleague in coaching.

Offer

Swallows Marketing and Communications Manager Mancoba Mabuza denied the latest developments. “Mbabane Swallows FC does not have a staff member called Siyabonga Bhembe. Meanwhile, Bhembe joined South Africa’s now defunct side, Mbombela United after their success about four seasons ago. However, it was upon returning home last year that he made the headlines as he was unveiled by Swallows and then joined Highlanders within the same week. He suddenly had a change of heart after Highlanders’ Director Chief Ally Kgomongwe offered him a better offer and wanted him to help the club achieve its goal while also assisting with recruiting South African players having worked for Mbombela United. He was paid E30 000 signing-on fee at Highlanders and a E15 000 monthly salary. While efforts to get the details of his latest contract were in vain, it is understood he was happier about it than the one he ditched when he had already been unveiled by the club in Ezulwini, at the club’s President Archbishop Lukhele’s All Nations Church compound, where they also train. Siyabonga has a CAF B Licence and is also a qualified physical trainer.

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