'˜Koki-C' boost for Landers!

The game ended in a 1-all draw, a point which is priceless in the fallen capital city giants’ bid to avoid the drop. The ‘Bull’ are currently third from the bottom with four games remaining.

Vilakati is currently Young Buffaloes’ coach but his interests at Highlanders remain undoubted. It has been gathered that through his determination to succeed in this battle, Mandlazi requested Vilakati to motivate the players last Friday.

The latter responded to the call as he honoured the invite and did address the players at training ahead of the Manzini Wanderers game. It had been reported last Thursday by this newspaper that the players had called for counselling or some sort of motivation after they had lost to Manzini Sea Birds 2-1.

"We’re in a difficult situation and every Highlanders person has to be involved and help where they can. Koki is my friend and colleague just like Ndlazi is also my friend so we do share ideas as coaches," said Mandlazi.

He said the reason he involved Vilakati was because he knew the players more than he did and believed he would know exactly how to address them to get out of this predicament.

"Even Billen did come to my training and I have no problem if they want to say something because at this stage the team needs all of its people and Koki is one of them," he explained.

However, Mandlazi explained that it was all about trying to get him to lift the players’ spirits and mental strength but during match day Vilakati was not involved. He said they met at the stadium and only greeted each other and proceeded with the game.

Vilakati also confirmed that he was invited to the training by the coach.

"As coaches we do help each other if someone needs assistance in a specific area and here I was invited by Chaka Chaka. If Nyanga has something I don’t have but I still want it, I’m bound to get his help and there’s nothing wrong when we share ideas as coaches," he said.

Nonetheless, Vilakati said this must not be misinterpreted as he was still contracted to Young Buffaloes but only agreed to help a colleague who wanted his help seeing that his club (Buffaloes) was not involved in any game over the weekend.

Highlanders PRO Dumsani ‘DU’ Sibandze also confirmed the matter saying he has always said that this situation called for everyone who had the team’s passion to get involved.

"There’s nothing wrong with him being asked by Chaka Chaka to come and assist him where possible. Koki is part of us anyway," he said.

His Buffaloes’ counterpart Sandile Gwebu could not be reached when sought as his cellphone was off the network while his assistant Zodwa said she was on leave and could not comment.

On another note, Highlanders’ directors indefinitely stopped team doctor Mvumeni Khumalo from his duties pending police investigations on manager Sipho Xaba having his car vandalised last Tuesday night at Mavuso Sports Centre.

Both parties confirmed the matter with Khumalo saying they were waiting for direction from the team’s elders.

 -  Iam very pleased as a Mbabane highlanders supporter to hear that mr Koki Vilakati has agreed to come and motivate Highlanders players i know the difficulties the players are faced with playing for a team of Highlanders caliber.The Players should know that we are with them in prayers God will not allow the team to be relagated .I want to say thank you Mr Vilakati someof us love you as i know that you are a Highlander by birth
April 17, 2013, 10:38 am, charles

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