MBABANE – In just a few hours, Capital City giants Mbabane Highlanders have released and hired a coach.
The ‘Black Bull’ on Monday released a statement confirming that the club had accepted the resignation of Head Coach Ernest Mavuso. The statement noted that following a period of challenging results and performances, Mavuso elected to step down, concluding that a change was in the best interests of the team.
Mavuso, who took the reins during the pre-season after leaving Green Mamba, oversaw a league campaign where he recorded five wins, eight draws and suffered six losses across 19 matches. His last game was a goalless draw against relegation-threatened Manzini Wanderers, who have recorded one win in 19 matches.
Speaking on his departure, Mavuso conceded that the players perhaps needed a change, stating: “I feel they are no longer responding to what we are trying to implement in training.”
Club President Shauwn Mkhize described it as a tough resignation to accept, noting that Mavuso was recruited based on an impressive record and an excellent style of football.
Then, yesterday, the club moved swiftly to fill the vacancy, announcing the appointment of Selaotse ‘Sly’ Mosala as Head Coach until the end of the season. In fact, he arrived a day earlier.
The South African coach, a Confederation of African Football (CAF) A Licence holder, returns to familiar territory, having previously led the ‘Black Bull’ in January 2022 – a tenure that saw the club qualify for continental competition.
The appointment comes at a critical time as Mbabane Highlanders prepare to face Green Mamba this Saturday at Mhlume Stadium. Mosala is already in the country and has been introduced to the playing squad. He is expected to assume full duties once his work permit is approved, as the club strives to finish the season strongly.
Within just 24 hours of Ernest Mavuso’s (R) departure, Mbabane Highlanders have moved decisively to appoint Selaotse