Swazi sport: Magaya drilling Malanti chiefs

Noel Munzabwa

IT would seem when the Swazi soccer new season comes alive next month, Zimbabwe-born soccer coaches will dominate the technical dug outs.

With Hebert Maruwa and Tarisai Chingara taking charge at Green Mamba and Tambuti FC respectively, a yet to be named Zimbabwean coach reportedly arrived in Swaziland on Tuesday afternoon and was due to be unveiled as Manzini Wanderers coach on Wednesday.

While efforts to get the name were futile indications are Agent Sawu, Mandla Mpofu and Luke Masomere did not make the grade leaving Godfrey Tamirepi as one of the possibilities.

There are also indications that Moneni Pirates could settle for a Zimbabwe born assistant coach who will double up as development coach.

Also resurfacing in Swaziland this month was former Masvingo United coach Lazarus Magaya who has been with National First Division outfit Malanti Chiefs.

He started drilling the Piggaï¿½ï¿½s Peak-based outfit last week at their Motshane Sports Ground training base.

The gold and black outfit was relegated from the elite league after over a decadeaï¿½ï¿½s stay this past season and will be competing in the Premier League feeder division.

According to local media Malanti boss Dumisani Gumede confirmed the Zimbabweanaï¿½ï¿½s presence in their camp.

He said they were still verifying Magayaaï¿½ï¿½s coaching qualifications and if they were in line with the Caf licensing requirements.

aï¿½?We are in the process of cross checking his papers, hence nothing has been finalised just yet but true he is with the team now,aï¿½? Gumede said.

Malanti are contemplating playing their games at the newly-built Killerney Stadium in Piggaï¿½ï¿½s Peak, the traditional home town of the team.

Gumede said they had sent a team to assess the facility and were in the process of acquiring hosting rights from its owners, the Piggaï¿½ï¿½s Peak Town Council.

aï¿½?Though personally I have not seen it, what I have heard is that it is a good facility and moving back to Piggaï¿½ï¿½s Peak will help us stay closer to our support base. We hope the FA will approve it,aï¿½? he said.