MBABANE – A ‘marriage’ cut short!
In what is destined to be recorded as the shortest ‘marriage’ in the history of local football, Manzini Wanderers and veteran gaffer Zenzele ‘Ace’ Dlamini have officially parted ways. The award-winning former Mbabane Swallows coach has left the maroon and white hub giants, just 16 days after his high-profile appointment.
‘Ace’ joined the club on January 23, 2026, as a replacement for Gcina Dlamini, with the hope that his vast experience would steady the club’s fortunes. The hub giants, through the Head of Communications Sandile ‘Ntofo’ Dlamini, announced that they had reached a mutual agreement with the towering gaffer to part ways with immediate effect.
“Manzini Wanderers announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Head Coach Zenzele ‘Ace’ Dlamini, it has been decided to put an end to his time as first-team coach, effective immediately,” read a statement released yesterday.
The Board of Directors, according to the statement, reportedly believes this is the right time for a change in leadership to achieve the club’s primary objective: saving the team from relegation.
Confirming his exit, ‘Ace’ who led the team for just three games, revealed that his final match was the 2-0 demolition by Malanti Chiefs at Killarney Sports Ground in Pigg’s Peak this past Sunday.
In a post-match assessment, he declared the mandate to save the club from relegation an impossible mission. “I have decided to leave Manzini Wanderers as it is my principle to simply leave if we do not think alike,” said the former Tambankulu Callies (now Red Rhinos) coach.
He added that he wanted the struggling MTN Premier League giants to conduct their business undisturbed. During his brief 16-day tenure, Dlamini suffered three consecutive defeats: An Ingwenyama Cup exit against Madlenya and two league losses to Rangers and Malanti Chiefs.
In the wake of the former Young Buffaloes mentor’s departure, another veteran, Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe, will take charge of the team. He will be supported by the existing technical setup of Stanford Ncube and Thokozani Mamba.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
Departed Manzini Wanderers gaffer Zenzele ‘Ace’ Dlamini. (File pic)