SOCCER – Moneni Pirates have reportedly identified Mbabane Highlanders AMFC head coach Selaotse ‘Sly’ Mosala as their primary target.
According to reliable sources, the Buccaneers have drawn up a shortlist of potential successors to outgoing Mozambican tactician Mathews ‘Chaka Chaka’ Mandlazi, with Mosala’s name featuring prominently at the top of the wishlist.
It is understood that the tactical mastermind’s contract with the capital city giants comes to an end today, sparking intense speculation over his next move. Sources close to the matter have revealed that Pirates have already made contact with the South African strategist in an ambitious bid to lure him to their camp ahead of the upcoming campaign.
However, the pursuit appears to have hit an unexpected snag, with the hierarchy at the Bull camp reportedly breathing down their necks.
“Pirates have made inquiries about coach ‘Sly’, but Highlanders have been made aware so it looks like they botched their surprise swoop attempt. Therefore, ‘Sly’ could stay for another season at Mbabane Highlanders,” said a well-placed source.
Moneni Pirates Public Relations Officer, Mlungisi ‘Sluga’ Simelane, neither denied nor confirmed the sensational link when pressed for comment. Instead, he maintained that the club was focusing on its own managerial timelines while teasing a massive announcement.
“Coach Sly has a contract with Mbabane Highlanders AMFC and we respect that. There is no truth that we are targeting him. However, what I can say is that we are looking for a new coach as Chaka Chaka’s contract ends today if not mistaken. What I can tell you though is that there is a new coach we will announce before the end of the week, which will shake everyone,” he boldly said.
On the other side of the capital, Mbabane Highlanders AMFC General Manager Richard Makhoba downplayed the transfer talk, expressing absolute confidence in the professional boundaries and business ethics shared between the two Premier League outfits.
“We respect Moneni Pirates and have a good relationship with them in terms of business. We trust them that they cannot go behind our back. Coach ‘Sly’ will be with us this season and we’re expecting him back for the pre-season camp. He will also be reinforcing his technical bench,” he said.
The former Royal AM mentor was previously hailed as a messiah for the capital city giants after pulling them from the depths of the relegation zone to secure a commendable top-five finish in the MTN Premier League log standings last term.
Mosala’s rising stock has also seen him apply for the vacant Sihlangu Semnikati national team coaching position. The highly regarded tactician is a CAF A licence holder who boasts an impressive pedigree across the border, having managed several top-flight South African clubs including Chippa United, Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants, whom he famously guided to the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.
