The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has announced that Dominic Kunene will lead the national team, Sihlangu, on an interim basis for the upcoming international friendly against Malta in November. This decision was made due to the imminent international friendly and the logistical preparations required ahead of the trip. Kunene, who previously led Sihlangu between 2020 and 2024, will be assisted by Caleb Ngwenya as assistant coach, Siza Dlamini as fitness coach, and Thokozani Mamba as goalkeeper coach.
According to the EFA, the interim technical team will oversee preparations for the November 2026 FIFA International Match Week. The association has already identified the substantive head coach but is currently finalizing compensation details. The new substantive coach is expected to join the national team during this period and possibly travel with the squad to Malta. This arrangement allows the EFA to have a team in place for the upcoming match while completing the process of appointing a permanent coach.
Dominic Kunene's return to the senior national team comes after he previously led Sihlangu for 42 matches, achieving 12 wins, 13 draws, and 17 defeats. One of his notable achievements was guiding Sihlangu to the 2021 COSAFA Cup semi-finals, where they drew 2-2 with Senegal before losing on penalties. Eswatini then claimed the bronze medal after defeating Mozambique in the third-place play-off, also on penalties. Kunene also led the team to two victories over Somalia in the preliminary round of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The EFA has confirmed that the Sihlangu squad for the Malta assignment will be announced on Tuesday, November 3. The international friendly is scheduled for November 12 at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium, with kick-off at 6:30 pm. This match will mark the first time Eswatini faces a European nation in an international friendly, providing valuable experience for the team.
Kunene had earlier indicated that the EFA had not approached him regarding the possibility of returning to the national team. He had requested to comment further should the association formally approach him with an offer. Reports had suggested that a Moroccan coach was being considered for the substantive position under the football cooperation agreement between Eswatini and Morocco, which includes financial support from Morocco towards the coach’s salary.
The appointment of Kunene as interim head coach brings stability to the team ahead of the international friendly. His experience with Sihlangu in the past will be beneficial in preparing the team for the match against Malta. The EFA's decision to appoint an interim coach allows them to finalize the appointment of a substantive head coach while ensuring the team is well-prepared for the upcoming match.
The international friendly against Malta provides an opportunity for Sihlangu to test their skills against a European opponent. With the match scheduled for November 12, the team will have a few weeks to prepare under Kunene's interim leadership. The EFA's efforts to strengthen the team's preparation and performance are ongoing, with the aim of improving Eswatini's football standings.
Key points
- Dominic Kunene appointed as interim head coach of Sihlangu for November international friendly against Malta.
- The EFA has identified the substantive head coach but is finalizing compensation details.
- The international friendly against Malta marks the first time Eswatini faces a European nation in an international friendly.
