SOCCER – Save our souls!
This is the mandate that has been given to seasoned coach Zenzele ‘Ace’ Dlamini by Manzini Wanderers as they battle to save themselves from relegation.
The crowd-pulling outfit is rooted at the bottom of the log standings with seven points, having recorded only one win in the first round of the season.
The Observer Sports Desk revealed in yesterday’s publication that the well-travelled coach would take over the coaching reins at the maroon-and-white giants.
Dlamini was unveiled to the players yesterday afternoon at Salesian Sports Ground, with a group of supporters watching the session.
He replaces Gcina Dlamini, whose contract was terminated on Wednesday night following a string of poor results that left the club anchored at the basement of the MTN Premier League standings, with one win from 15 games.
Manzini Wanderers Communications Manager Sandile ‘Ntofo’ Dlamini confirmed the arrival of ‘Ace’, despite refuting the story on national radio yesterday morning.
‘Ace’ will be assisted by club legend Stanford Ncube.
“I can confirm that Zenzele ‘Ace’ Dlamini is our new head coach. He is a good coach with vast experience in local football. The mandate is to help us avoid relegation,” he said.
The communications manager added that Dlamini would soon be joined by two assistant coaches as the club intensifies efforts to save the sinking ship.
‘Ace’ has coached several teams in the country and boasts an impressive résumé.
He famously ended an eight-year trophy drought at Mbabane Highlanders in 2019 after winning the EPTC Charity Cup, defeating Manzini Wanderers 2–1 in the final.
READ MORE: Wanderers Flirting Dangerously with the Chop
He is making a second return to the Weslians, with his first match scheduled for tomorrow against Rangers at Mavuso Sports Centre.
Meanwhile, experienced campaigners Sihle ‘Mbhalaza’ Mkhonta and Sifiso ‘Tjovitjo’ Maseko have returned to the club.
The team is also working around the clock to secure a work permit for South African winger Siphamandla Dhlamini.
