ZOOMING IN ON ’LANDERS FANS’ DEMANDS

MBABANE – Following a mass meeting on Sunday afternoon, Mbabane Highlanders supporters have put forward a series of demands to their South Africa-based Managing Director, Chief Ally Kgomongwe.

The national supporters committee (NSC) convened during the FIFA international break to discuss pressing issues within the ‘Bull’s kraal at a gathering held in Ezulwini at CODEC. The meeting led to a list of demands being leaked to this publication, as journalists were not permitted to attend. The demands expressed the dissatisfaction of the team’s loyalists with the political methods of conducting business within the team, which have resulted in a six-point gap behind the current MTN Premier League leaders, Young Buffaloes.

Additionally, the Dumsani ‘DU’ Makhanya team has displayed inconsistency, drawing their last three league games and being eliminated from the Ingwenyama Cup semi-finals by their traditional rivals, Mbabane Swallows, with a 3-0 defeat. Understandably, these results have led to frustration among the team’s loyal supporters. The Times Sports Desk scrutinises the demands made by Inkunzi Emnyama supporters, aimed at guiding Managing Director Chief Ally Kgomongwe in reviving the team’s past success. The question arises: will these demands be achievable or merely an unattainable vision?

1. STOP INTERFERING IN PLAYERS SELECTION

It is evident that the alleged interference of the Highlanders boss in selecting the line-ups can have detrimental effects on the team’s performance. The direct involvement of team bosses in tactical decisions, such as substitutions, can undermine the authority of the coaching staff and limit their ability to implement strategies effectively. Similar management styles have been observed in soccer previously, as seen with the late Mbabane Swallows boss Victor ‘Maradona’ Gamedze. However, Gamedze’s active presence during training sessions allowed him to make more informed decisions. In contrast, the Highlanders boss’s reliance on second-hand insights and interference in the line-up selection, without being present during training, can introduce bias and hinder the team’s progress. To maintain a fair and effective management approach, the Highlanders boss should refrain from interfering in the coaching staff’s decisions and instead hold them accountable based on the team’s performance. This would not only foster trust and autonomy within the coaching staff but also improve player motivation, ultimately contributing to the team’s overall success.

2. HIRE A NEW COACH

Appointing a new coach will not yield significant improvements for the team unless the persistent issue of interference is effectively addressed. Attempting to resolve the team’s challenges without tackling this root cause would be akin to changing the backdrop of a play without altering the characters, ultimately maintaining its tragic nature. The Mbabane giants’ technical team requires reinforcement, as its current structure is inadequate. Should a new coach be appointed, it is crucial to select an experienced individual capable of asserting their authority and maintaining the team’s established DNA and style of play. Moreover, supporters must recognise that underlying issues must be resolved before a coaching change can be genuinely effective. Creating a supportive environment, promoting open communication, and addressing systemic issues are essential prerequisites for lasting improvements. The coach hired must be a good fit for the team’s history and identity, and clear, attainable targets should be set. As the season nears its end, it is imperative for Ally to make well-informed decisions and avoid hasty choices that may not align with the team’s long-term success.

3. MUST NOT RECRUIT AVERAGE FOREIGN PLAYERS

In recent times, the team has developed a trend of signing numerous South African players who fail to significantly enhance the team’s performance, which should be a cause for concern, not only for Highlands, but for the entire league. Ideally, foreign players should elevate the standard of soccer in any league they join. However, many of these recruited players have exhibited skills comparable to local talent or even fall below expectations, raising questions about the recruitment process. Players such as Nkosinathi Fakudze, David Molekule, Tsepo Chaine, Johnson Mensah and Punch Masenamela have all failed to meet expectations. To address this issue, it is high time Highlanders boss to focus on bringing in quality players who will not only contribute to the team’s success but also raise the level of football in the league.

Moreover, ensuring that these foreign players maintain discipline and a strong work ethic is crucial. The team must avoid recruiting individuals who treat their time on the team as a vacation, ultimately squandering the team’s resources. By implementing a more stringent recruitment process and emphasising discipline, Highlanders can build a stronger, more successful team that contributes positively to the overall quality of the league.

4. HAVE A CLEAR DEVELOPMENT STRUCTURE

The Highlanders’ current developmental structure requires significant improvement, as evidenced by their recent MTN Premier League Under-19 match against rivals Manzini Wanderers, where they played without any substitutes. This situation is unacceptable for a team of Highlanders’ calibre and contradicts the very essence of promoting players to the first team. Other teams, like Mbabane Swallows and Young Buffaloes, have successfully demonstrated the importance of a well-defined developmental structure by producing talented players such as Sizolwethu Shabalala, Qiniso Nyawo, Richard McCreesh, Sphesihle Nsimbini, Sibonelo Sibandze, and Kwakhe Thwala.

A robust developmental structure is crucial for any team in the league, as it nurtures talent, ensures succession planning builds team identity, promotes financial sustainability, and enhances the team’s reputation. Highlanders must invest in their young athletes by providing the necessary guidance, training, and support, enabling them to establish a solid foundation for future success, while also reducing the need to sign new players. By acknowledging the current shortcomings in Highlanders’ developmental structure, the team can focus on implementing effective strategies to improve player development, ultimately benefiting both the team and the league. It is crucial for Highlanders to learn from the successful approaches of other teams and prioritise a strong developmental structure for long-term success and a healthier, more competitive league.

5. GET SCOUTS

To ensure future success, it is crucial for the team to have scouts throughout the country to help them in various essential tasks. Rather than focusing solely on the Hhohho region, scouts should be responsible for identifying talent in all four regions of the country, ensuring the best players are recruited regardless of their location. By identifying promising athletes early in their careers, these scouts can provide the team with a competitive advantage, enabling them to sign top talent before other teams. In the world of football, teams across the globe rely on scouts to gather valuable information about players’ strengths, weaknesses, and potential. This information is critical in guiding informed decision-making during the recruitment process. Furthermore, scouts contribute to long-term planning by identifying young talent with the potential to develop into top-tier athletes. An effective scouting system is essential for sports teams, as it ensures a robust talent pool, provides a competitive edge in recruitment, informs decision-making, and facilitates long-term planning for sustained success. As such, it is crucial for Kgomongwe to prioritise this aspect of team development if he hopes to restore the team’s former glory.

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