Football

MBABANE – Ambitious Premier League returnees Malanti Chiefs have hired Serbia-born Coach Sreten Pavlovic on a one-year deal.

Malanti Chairman Dumsani Gumede unveiled the South Africa-based coach during a press briefing at Molly’s House of Grills in Mbabane yesterday. He replaces Zambian Christopher Tembo, who left in July, after steering Malanti back to the Premier League.

Gumede was accompanied by senior officials, who included representative of the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) Board of Governors Victor Rodrigues, Legal Adviser Vusi Kunene, General Manager Lungile Dube, Manager Mandla Maduna and Public Relations Officer (PRO) Mfanimpela Mngometulu, among others.

Gumede stated that while he had confidence in local coaches, he felt the need to bring Pavlovic on board because he was a good fit for Malanti’s style of play.

He highlighted that Pavlovic possessed the required Confederation of African Football (CAF) A Licence to take charge of the team.

“The mandate is clear – the coach has to challenge for a top-four finish. Malanti are also known for excelling in knockout tournaments and we have to maintain that,” he said.

Gumede shared that Vusisizwe Mahlalela would continue to assist the new gaffer.

Born in Serbia, the new coach stated that he knew African football like the back of his hand, having spent a considerable amount of time in South Africa and having associated with the current Nsingizini Coach, Mandla Qhogi.

Full article available in our publication.

Malanti Chiefs Chairman Dumisani Gumede (R) has unveiled Serbian Sreten Pavlovic as the team’s new Head Coach. (Pic: Ashmond Nzima)