AFTER STEERING SWALLOWS TO GLORY: COACH CALEB IN E100K BOUNTY

MBABANE – He will smile all the way to the bank.

That is the story of Mbabane Swallows coach Caleb ‘No Nonsense’ Ngwenya, who recently helped his side win the MTN Premier League title at Mkhuzweni Technical Centre on Saturday. Umkhonto KaShaka defeated Ezulwini United 1-0 to secure the E1 million first prize money, with the Stingers’ goalkeeper, Siyabonga Magagula, mistakenly scoring an own goal for Swallows.  This victory marked the team’s seventh league title in their history, with their last win occurring during the 2017/18 season under the late Thabo ‘Koki’ Vilakati’s leadership. According to a source within the Mbabane giants’ camp, the former Green Mamba title-winning coach is entitled to 10 per cent of the team’s first prize money upon winning any tournament.  This clause is reportedly included in his contract, alongside his E19 000 monthly salary that he reportedly receives. This means that Ngwenya is entitled to E100 000 as his share.

Experience

The reputable gaffer joined the red and white side midway through the 2022/23 season in December 2022. Ngwenya arrived from Ezulwini United on a two-year deal, bringing a wealth of experience from his time coaching defunct Vovovo and ‘Inyoka Eluhlazane’.  His tenure with Swallows has been marked by both highs and lows, including a rollercoaster season that saw the team face a disheartening 4-2 loss to Royal Leopard at Mavuso Sports Centre last season. Following that defeat, the team’s supporters expressed their dissatisfaction, with one frustrated supporter even going so far as striking Ngwenya with a container.

Others waited for him by the exit gate from the dressing rooms, though security personnel ultimately escorted the coach to safety via an alternative route. Swallows Public Relations Officer (PRO) Knowledge Ngwenya said matters concerning contractual agreements and employee benefits were strictly confidential and handled between the club and the individual in question. “Issues related to employee’s contracts and benefits are private between the employer and the employee, and are, therefore, not open for public discussion,” he said briefly.
Eswatini Football Coaches Association (EFCA) General Secretary (GS) Musa Mamba emphasised the importance of incentivising coaches with bonuses, as football is fundamentally a game driven by motivation.

“It is essential to keep coaches motivated, as their drive and enthusiasm can significantly contribute to a club’s overall performance. In countries where coaches receive lower salaries, these financial incentives can be particularly valuable. “In such cases, these bonuses not only serve as motivation for the coach, but can also be utilised to inspire and incentivise players, ultimately fostering a culture of mutual success within the team,” he said. Meanwhile, the former Sihlangu assistant coach took the helm from Denver Sundowns’ Musa Manyatsi, who had a brief stint as head coach after taking over from Christopher Ennin at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Despite some challenges, Ngwenya has led the ‘Beautiful Birds’ to three domestic cup finals, including the revived Trade Fair Cup, MoMo Cup, and the recent Ingwenyama Cup. Although the team fell short in these competitions, Ngwenya’s guidance contributed to the Swallows’ Hospice at Home Cup victory against Nsingizini Hotspurs on penalties and their successful performance in the Africa Day celebration and Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup, both held in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. It is common practice in professional soccer for coaches to receive bonuses when their teams win a championship or a significant tournament. This bonuses, often calculated as a percentage of the prize money, are intended to reward the coaches for their efforts, leadership, and dedication throughout the season or competition.

The 10 per cent figure specifically is not a fixed rule, but rather an approximation or average based on various factors, such as the coach’s contract, the team’s budget, and the specific tournament or competition in question. Moreover, providing a significant financial incentive, like a 10 per cent share of the cup winnings, motivates coaches to put forth their best effort and fosters a culture of success within the team. Efforts to reach the coach for comments were fruitless when this report was compiled.

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