Former Mamelodi Sundowns youth coach and scout Floyd Mogale has resigned as head coach of Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize’s Mbabane Highlanders AM FC, just three months after his appointment.
The South African coach, who joined the Eswatini giants in July, leaves with Highlanders sitting 11th on the MTN Premier League table following an inconsistent start to the season.
They have won one of their opening four matches, drew once and lost twice. His departure leaves the former Royal AM owner’s club searching for a new coach, with indications that Highlanders could turn to a local tactician.
Mogale informed the players of his resignation during a meeting on Monday morning, according to Eswatini Observer.
Highlanders’ general manager Richard Makhoba confirmed the departure, acknowledging that the partnership had not delivered what the club had hoped for.
HIGHLANDERS CONFIRM FLOYD MOGALE’S EXIT
“I wish him all the best in his future endeavours. He is a great coach, but unfortunately it did not work out for us at Highlanders. We thank him for his contribution and wish him nothing but the best going forward,” Makhoba is quoted as saying.
The general manager added that the club would announce its next head coach in due course. Mogale had succeeded fellow South African Selaotse ‘Sly’ Mosala, who left Highlanders to join Eswatini rivals Moneni Pirates.
His appointment formed part of the Mkhize-owned club’s efforts to revive their fortunes after finishing fifth last season.
Although their recent Trade Fair triumph offered encouragement, Highlanders have struggled to produce consistent league results.
The club must now find a successor who can build on that cup success while improving their league position. A local coach is reportedly a possibility, although no appointment has been confirmed.
At the start of the season, Highlanders were clear about their ambitions to challenge for major honours and secure a return to CAF inter-club competitions. Mogale, whose experience includes spells at Black Leopards, Chippa United, Royal AM and Free State Stars, had been entrusted with steering the club towards those goals.
However, sources say he felt the players “lacked the necessary basics” to succeed. In the four league games he was in charge, the team scored four goals and conceded four.
Meanwhile, Mosala’s Pirates are second behind Royal Leopard after winning three of their opening four games and losing one. Another South African coach in the Eswatini Premier League, Mandla Qhogi’s Nsingizini Hotspurs, is in fifth place after winning two, drawing one and losing one. Hotspurs are the defending champions.
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