Swazi Observer

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'BARNES', ‘SHILTON' JOIN BULL

By MELUSI MLOTSA | 2024-05-04

SOCCER - MAJOR technical team shake-up!

Capital city giants Mbabane Highlanders have reacted to their substandard performance recently by appointing legends Sifiso ‘Barnes' Mkhulisi and Sipho 'Shilton' Dube as assistant coaches ahead of the biggest derby in the land.

The duo was appointed after a recommendation by head coach Milton 'Spanish' Dlamini.

According to reports, Mkhulisi and Dube started their duties on Tuesday, and were welcomed by the management committee.

The two come with vast experience in the crowd-pulling side.

Mkhulisi is also the national Under-20 assistant coach, while Dube has been with Sihlangu as goalkeeper coach for a long time.

They replace Dumisani 'DU' Makhanya and Siyabonga Bhembe, who parted ways with the team last week.

Interestingly, Milton, ‘Barnes’ and Sipho have played for Mbabane Highlanders during their hey-days.

Their combination will now be tested in the dugout.

"The coaches received a warm welcome during training sessions. Everyone is geared up for the weekend match," said the source.

Highlanders Public Relations Officer Kenneth Dlamini confirmed the latest developments.

“We are thrilled to welcome on board the dynamic duo of Barnes Mkhulisi as our new assistant coach and Sipho Dube as our goalkeeper coach.

These two seasoned professionals are joining our technical bench to bring their wealth of experience and expertise to the Highlanders family,” reads the statement.

With the recent departure of Dumsani Makhanya and Siyabonga Bhembe, Chief Ally Kgomongwe, our visionary director, has ensured that our team remains strong and stable.

“Our technical team is poised and ready to lead us to victory as we gear up for the highly anticipated derby this weekend. The players are also fired up and raring to go.

“Together, with our new coaching staff and the unwavering support of our loyal supporters, we are ready to conquer the challenges ahead and bring glory back to Mbabane Highlanders,” Dlamini stated.

Meanwhile, the Highlanders faithfuls will be banking their hopes on the coaching trio to turn the tables against the traditional rivals on Sunday.

The Black Bull suffered a humiliating defeat as they lost 0-3 in the last meeting, the SMVAF Ingwenyama Cup semi-finals two months ago. But in the first round league match, the two rivals played to a 1-1 draw.

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