Africa-Press – Eswatini. They have performed below expectations.
Mbabane Highlanders are set to release three of their players in strikers Bonginkosi ‘Manyovu’ Dlamini, Musa ‘Lagos’ Dlamini and Siboniso ‘Mane’ Lukhele. According to a reliable source within the Highlanders camp, the club’s technical team, led by Dumsani ‘DU’ Makhanya, has deemed the players surplus to requirements and intends to bring in new blood who can help the team achieve its goals.
“The team is expected to meet with the technical team soon for a review of the first round performance and the major topic on the agenda will be the release of players who include Bonginkosi ‘Manyovu’ Dlamini, Musa ‘Lagos’ Dlamini, and Siboniso ‘Mane’ Lukhele. Manyovu, who is one of the highest-paid players in the team, has failed to live up to expectations, and the club believes that Musa has not met the team’s standards.
In addition, ‘Mane’ has been plagued by injuries, which has limited his playing time and effectiveness,” the source said. According to the source, the players will remain with the team during the upcoming Ingwenyama Cup, but the club will make every effort to replace them before the transfer window closes.
“The team is aware that it has a limited number of attacking players, and the current players will likely feature in the upcoming Last 32 match against Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows. However, the club intends to strengthen its attacking options by bringing in two or three offensive players before the transfer window closes, and the club will evaluate the situation as it develops,” the source added. In soccer, teams release players for a variety of reasons, such as performance issues, financial considerations, tactical decisions and squad depth.
Underperforming players may be released to make room for better-suited replacements, while teams may also release players due to budgetary constraints. Additionally, teams may release players to change their tactical approach or to create more opportunities for other players in the same position. The decision to release a player is usually made after careful consideration by the team’s management and coaching staff. Overall, the release of players is an important part of soccer team management, and it plays a crucial role in ensuring the team’s long-term success.
The Mbabane giants Public Relations Officer (PRO) Kenneth Dlamini, when reached yesterday for comment on the reports about the release of the three players, stated that no official information had been received by his office at the time of the inquiry. “The only players whose departure has been officially confirmed so far are Matamela Ndou and Noko Malekane, who left the team last week after their request to leave was granted. The technical team is yet to provide any information on other players who may be released during the upcoming transfer window,” he said.
Meanwhile, ‘Lagos’, who also made his name at Green Mamba, played a significant role in Mbabane Highlanders’ fourth-place finish last season, scoring at least five goals and providing several assists. He had joined the team on loan after Inyoka Eluhlazane deemed him surplus to requirements. ‘Manyovu’, on the other hand, joined Mbabane Highlanders during the previous season, after the team managed to sign him before the transfer deadline. Impeccable sources have informed this publication that Manyovu was one of the highest-paid players in the team, reportedly earning a monthly salary of E15 000.
Highlanders will face National First Division (NFD) side Pigg’s Peak Black Swallows ‘ in the Last 32 round of the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents (SMVAF) sponsored tournament, set for the first weekend of January 2024.The Mbabane giants will be without first choice goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala, who was red-carded for handling the ball outside the box in the 0-5 loss to Young Buffaloes in the league last Saturday. The second window registration period will open on Monday.
Players who have been transfer- listed this season:
1. Sandile ‘Nkomishi’ Ginindza (Mbabane Swallows)
2. Manqoba Vilakati (Nsingizini Hotspurs)
3. Sibusiso Tfwala (Nsingizini Hotspurs)
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