SOCCER – Embattled former Manzini Wanderers head coach Zenzele ‘Ace’ Dlamini has come out in his own defence, insisting that his description of the club’s survival bid as a “mission impossible” was a calculated psychological strategy rather than a surrender.
Speaking in an expansive interview with JTM Media, hosted by John Molelekeng and shared on their social media platforms, Dlamini argued that his remarks were intended to manipulate the perception of rival teams.
By publicly portraying the Weslians as a sinking ship, he hoped to lull opponents into a false sense of security — making them believe that a fixture against the Hub giants would be a straightforward walkover.
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“Rethinking the mandate of avoiding relegation was not an attempt to demoralise the team on the ground,” Dlamini explained.
“The situation at hand proved it was an immense task. My comments were solely made to play with the minds of the opposition. I firmly believed that if they came into the match expecting an easy win, it would have worked in our favour. And this was the whole point of my comments.”
The veteran tactician maintained that he was being realistic rather than defeatist.
He suggested that sugar-coating the club’s precarious position would have been a disservice to supporters.
“If I had said we would definitely survive, I would have been lying. Now I am being associated with failure, but no one should punish me for the state I found the team in. These are facts that can be proven,” he added.
Dlamini expressed frustration at his departure, suggesting he had been “crucified” for voicing genuine concerns.
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Despite the fallout, he extended an olive branch to his former employers, saying he was pleased the club had begun a restructuring process.
“I wish them well. Once the restructuring is complete, the technical bench must be given the liberty to rebuild properly,” he said.
However, reconciliation appeared limited. When contacted by this publication for further clarification, Dlamini adopted a frostier tone.
He declined to comment further, accusing the press of setting him up through previous reporting on his short-lived tenure.
Dlamini’s exit leaves Wanderers in a transitional phase as they continue their desperate fight to climb off the foot of the MTN Premier League table.
