MBABANE – Mbabane Highlanders have confirmed they have temporarily sidelined Ndumiso Dlamini from first-team training.
This has been attributed to the desire to protect the player’s prospects of securing a career in the military.
Addressing rumours that the club had permanently severed ties with the player, Team Manager Makhosonkhe Gama clarified that Dlamini remains registered and a vital part of the squad. The hiatus is specifically intended to allow the player to focus on the ongoing nationwide army recruitment exercise.
“The club decided that he should stop training for now to complete the recruitment process,” Gama stated. “He is still part of us; he has not been removed from the club’s system.”
Gama noted that the decision was also influenced by the player’s own welfare. Prior to the ‘freezing’ of his training schedule, Dlamini reportedly found it difficult to maintain focus while knowing he might be unavailable for selection.
With the club anticipating Dlamini’s absence throughout January, management acted swiftly in the current transfer window to bolster the squad, securing the services of Wandile Sacolo.
“We knew Dlamini would likely be leaving in January, so we prepared by finding someone who could adapt quickly,” Gama explained. “However, he could still be recalled. He has done nothing wrong; the club are simply supporting his pursuit of a permanent career.”
The manager emphasised that the decision was also a precautionary measure against injury.
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Mbabane Highlanders’ Ndumiso Dlamini (L) applying pressure on Young Buffaloes’ Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze during a league match. Highlanders have frozen training for Dlamini to allow him to focus on the army recruitment opportunity. (Pic: Melusi Mkhabela)