SOCCER – Mbabane Highlanders have launched a ruthless squad overhaul ahead of the new campaign, sensationally axing club captain Siphamandla ‘Maphara’ Maseko alongside five other high-profile players.
The sweeping clear-out signals an uncompromising new era of discipline and ambition under head coach Selaotse ‘Sly’ Mosala, as the capital city giants look to transform themselves from late-season survivors into genuine title contenders.
This comes on the heels of a turbulent MTN Premier League season that saw the country’s most decorated club flirt with catastrophe. Under former manager Ernest Mavuso, the Black Bulls endured a deeply concerning run of form that left them staring down the barrel of a shocking relegation battle.
The hierarchy’s decision to wield the managerial axe late in the season paid immediate dividends; the dramatic return of South African tactician Mosala sparked a spectacular revival, yielding 11 points from his first 15 available and steadying the ship to ultimately salvage a fifth-place finish.
However, a fifth-place finish is never enough for an institution of Highlanders’ stature, and Mosala’s clinical close-season surgery proves he has no intention of tolerating mediocrity. By ruthlessly dismantling the existing squad structure, the technical team is systematically freeing up the wage bill to hand Mosala the financial ammunition required for an aggressive recruitment drive.
The departure of Maseko, an industrious midfielder signed from Denver Sundowns two seasons ago, highlights the uncompromising nature of this rebuild, with management refusing to carry players whose campaigns have been disrupted by persistent fitness struggles. According to an official club statement, the captain is not the only high-profile casualty of the new regime.
Lanky defender Bongumusa Fakudze has been released following an ankle injury that marred his loan spell from Madlenya FC.
In a total reshuffle of the club’s defensive and goalkeeping departments, Ghanaian international goalkeeper Innocent Adja, who spent the latter half of the season at Ubombo Sugar and wing-back Ishmael Zwane have also had their contracts terminated. Furthermore, goalkeeper Sisekelo Maseko has returned to his parent club, Royal Leopard, while highly rated prospect Siwakhile Shongwe is set to be loaned out to gain vital competitive minutes.
The club took to official channels to confirm the dramatic decisions, framing the mass exodus as a calculated component of their broader strategic development plan.
“Mbabane Highlanders wishes to formally confirm the departure of six players from the club following the conclusion of contractual and loan agreements as well as loan move aimed at further player development. The players departing the club on permanent basis are Innocent Adja, Ishmael Zwane and Siphamandla Maseko whose contracts have reached their conclusion and will not be renewed,” reads part of the statement.
“In addition, Siwakhile Shongwe will spend the upcoming season away from the club on loan as part of strategic development plan aimed at providing him with playing time and valuable competitive experience. Mbabane Highlanders extends its sincere gratitude to all the departing players for their commitment, professionalism and contribution during their time with the club. Their dedication both on and off the field has been greatly appreciated,” reads the statement.
With the decks now decisively cleared, the immense pressure shifts entirely onto the transfer market. The crowd-pulling outfit is reportedly on the verge of unveiling several marquee signings as pre-season training looms, providing Mosala with a completely blank canvas to engineer a squad in his own image.
Having successfully dragged the club away from the drop zone just months ago, Mosala’s high-stakes gamble has set the stage for an explosive campaign designed to return silverware to the capital.
