Mission accomplished – ‘Barnes’

AMAWELE head coach Sifiso ‘Barnes’ Mkhulisi could not be happier after his team gained promotion to the Premier League, declaring it ‘mission accomplished’.
After being relieved of his duties by Mbabane Highlanders mid-season, Amawele swiftly appointed Mkhulisi as head coach, who has now made history by guiding the Msunduza-based outfit into the top flight.

Under Mkhulisi’s leadership, Amawele won five matches, drew two, and lost just one – a remarkable achievement for the former national team left-back.

“Let me take this opportunity to thank everyone who rallied behind the team. This is a great moment and a big achievement. When I arrived, the team was in third position on the log table. It was not easy, but through collective effort from the directors and players here we are today.

“I remember when we lost against Celtics – the morale was low in the dressing room. Hope had faded among the boys, but we had to encourage them that nothing was lost. We picked up the pieces and look where we are today. So, it is mission accomplished. I am excited and delighted. I am happy for the boys, myself, and the people of Msunduza,” he said.

Mkhulisi also extended gratitude to the previous coaches, saying he found the team in good shape upon arrival.
Discussing his future with the club, Mkhulisi said his contract had ended but he remained open to continuing.

“I signed a short-term deal which ended after the last match. However, my hands are open if they need me. I must state clearly that I love the professional environment created by the Amawele directors and stakeholders. I feel at home here, especially after what happened at my previous club,” he said emotionally.
Amawele are one of the oldest football clubs in the country, founded in the early 1970s by, among others, the late Timothy ‘Mshana’ Hlatshwako.