Ubombo Sugar have completed a dramatic technical overhaul, sealing a deal yesterday afternoon that brings in seasoned coach Milton Dlamini and former national team star Dennis ‘Yuki’ Masina to spearhead a new era at the struggling side.
The move, confirmed by Club Chairman Gcina Ndwandwe, marks one of the most decisive shifts in the MTN Premier League this season, one driven by the club’s urgency to stabilise results, restore identity and rebuild properly after a stuttering start.
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Dlamini, who arrived in the country last week, wasted no time. He attended training yesterday, observed the team over the weekend and will officially start drilling the squad this afternoon.
His appointment, however, still awaits completion of work-permit processes, though the club insists this was a formality that would not derail their plans. “The deal was finalised today afternoon (yesterday). We have options, and the permit process is underway,” Ndwandwe said.
In the same shake-up, Ubombo Sugar have parted ways with coaches Van Rooyen Magagula, Sihle Mavimbela and Themba Nkambule, ending days of speculation over their future.
Ndwandwe confirmed the exits, stating that the club was entering a new direction designed to correct long-term structural weaknesses rather than merely chase short-term wins.
Yuki, one of the most decorated players to emerge from Eswatini, will not only join Dlamini on the first-team bench but will also head the club’s entire development department. His dual role includes serving as chief scout, identifying talent, advising on playing identity and exposing young prospects to international pathways.
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“We want to build a strong brand and attract players. Yuki comes with his development, and he will be central to the future of this club,” Ndwandwe said.
The shift also means Masina and Percy Shongwe will assist Dlamini at first-team level, providing a blend of tactical knowledge, youth expertise and elite-level experience, something Ubombo Sugar have lacked in recent seasons.
Ndwandwe explained that the need for change became urgent after the club’s collapse in recent fixtures, including a humiliating 1–5 home defeat to Royal Leopard last week. This followed an already unstable run triggered by the earlier departure of coach Gcina Dlamini, who later resurfaced at Manzini Wanderers. Magagula took over on an interim basis, but failed to steer the team towards the desired results, prompting management to act swiftly.
Ndwandwe said the appointments of Dlamini and Yuki were more than a reaction, they were a reset.
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