Swazi Observer

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PAPIC DEMANDED E120 000 SALARY

By Melusi Mlotsa | 2019-12-03

SOCCER – OUTGOING Sihlangu Semnikati head coach Kostadin Papic reportedly demanded an impro-ved sa-lary in the re-gion of E120 000 per month.

It is understood that the coach was reportedly earning E60 000 a month, which means he racked in over E700 000 in the 14 games he has led Sihlangu. This, therefore, means the coach wanted an increment of E60 000 from his previous salary.

Package

He was also provided with a house (water and electricity bills included) and a car as part of the package.

With all this inclusive, the FA has spent close to E1million on Papic’s expenses.

The Eswatini Football Association EFA on Friday released a statement announcing that Papic would be leaving his role as head coach, since his contract expires at the end of the month (December).

“The EFA wishes to announce that, in view of its capacity to meet the demands of the head coach of the senior national team Sihlangu Kostadin Papic, the contract of engagement will not be renewed.

Creating

“At this instance, the EFA would like to express its sincere appreciation to the work and commitment by Papic and his entire technical team over the period towards creating a foundation for good performance of the national team. The EFA will at a later stage make some pronouncements on the future of the national team,” reads part of the statement.

A source close to the matter revealed that the football mother body failed to meet the demands of the coach, hence they decided to part ways with him.

“Papic wanted an improved package and unfortunately the FA was not able to meet the demand. He wanted his salary to be increased to E120 000, which was double his current salary and way above what the FA had budgeted for.”

It has been gathered that the Serbia-born coach has applied for the Chipolopolo coaching job that has a salary pegged at US$10 000, which is equivalent to E140 000 a month.

Regarding

Eswatini Football Association Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi Radebe said he had nothing to say at the moment regarding this matter. He said Papic was still in charge of the squaduntil December 31.

“We will soon make a pronouncement on the future of the national team,” he said.

Meanwhile, it has been gathered that the former Orlando Pirates mentor will leave behind the Mazda CX-5 which was purchased by the football mother body.

The car will be now be used by a coach who will be taking over the reins.

On another note, the FA has clarified that no attempts had been made to hire a new coach for the national team. This is contrary to reports that Gcina ‘Magiyane’ Dlamini has been tipped for the Sihlangu hot seat.

“A meeting to discuss the national team, including the engagement of a coach will be convened at a later date, where all details regarding the recruitment process will be discussed; after which invitations to interested coaches locally and internationally will be done,” reads the statement.

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