MBABANE – The local football fraternity is in mourning again following the tragic passing of shining Young Buffaloes Development Coach Mbongwa Dlamini.
After losing one of their medical team members, Bonginkhosi Mthimkhulu, about a week ago, this past Sunday morning the team were struck again by the loss of the celebrated Dlamini.
Eswatini lost a cornerstone of its youth structures with the death of Dlamini, a man whose career was defined by transforming raw talent into international stars.
His legacy is etched into the careers of numerous professional players, including Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala and Newman Philiso, both currently playing in Zimbabwe, alongside domestic standouts like Lindani ‘Rio’ Matsenjwa, who is playing for Green Mamba , as well as Mbabane Swallows’ central midfielder Nhlanhla Ngwenya, among others.
Beyond the professional ranks, he was a dominant force in school sports, recently leading Manzini Central High School to the national rounds of the Instacash tournament.
The depth of his impact is best captured by those who viewed him as more than just a tactical instructor.
Former player Thwala expressed his profound grief through a moving social media tribute.
“I am heartbroken and I cannot believe this Dlamini. You were a father to us when we grew up in football and today we are where we are because of you Nkhosi. Rest in peace coach, I will be forever grateful for everything that you have done for me and I will always remember you,” he said.
Official confirmation of the news came from the highest levels of his primary club. The Young Buffaloes Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sandile Gwebu, confirmed the loss during an interview with this publication yesterday. “Yes it’s true.”
Meanwhile, Manzini Wanderers also mourns the sudden loss of a passionate supporter Banele ‘Nice’ Bulunga, who has passed on after a car accident.
(R) The late Young Buffaloes Coach Mbongwa Dlamini lifts Lindani Matsenjwa in jubilation after their scored an equalising goal against Mbabane Swallows in the stoppage time during the 2016 EswatiniTelecom Charity Cup Under-20 Tournament. (File pic)