New head coach for SD Mabaya FC

SD Mabaya FC’s chairperson, Sipho Dzimba, announced on September 22 that its former player, Hlayani Mhlongo, had been appointed as the club’s new head coach.

Dzimba said after an intense two months of looking for a head coach, he offered Mhlongo a permanent contract.

“We have been interviewing several parties who had expressed an interest in becoming head coach of SD Mabaya FC. Remember, the whole of last season I was coaching the team as we were still new in this local league, but due to my busy schedule, I have agreed with the club’s leadership to get someone who can lead the technical team on a full-time basis,” Dzimba said.

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“The prospective coaches we spoke to were local, tied to teams in the regional league. Others were former coaches of promotional league teams and some were based outside Bushbuckridge, who competed in the bigger and well-organised leagues such as the ABC Motsepe League.

“However, we wanted someone who would grow with the team, an individual who seemed ready to understand the vision of the club and where it seeks to be in the next two to three years. And we also needed someone who could uphold the values of the club, and also share his experiences of the game with the many young players we are going to have in the new season. It must also be noted that we are a team that believes in giving young people a chance.”

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This will be Mhlongo’s first coaching duty as he transitions from being a player to a football tactician. He had played as a goalkeeper for the now defunct SAFA Men’s Regional League side, the Real Chiefs, and the Barberton City Stars in the ABC Motsepe League.

In true Mabaya traditional style, the former goalkeeper will be officially introduced to the players and all other stakeholders in the coming days.