The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has reinstated Dominic Kunene as head coach of the senior national team, Sihlangu Semnikati, sparking concerns about the association's ambitions and technical direction. This decision has raised questions about what has changed since Kunene's previous tenure, which did little to transform Sihlangu into a competitive side. Kunene's previous stint ended with the national Under-20 team losing all its matches at a tournament in Mozambique.
The EFA's decision to reinstate Kunene has been criticized for reflecting the association's tendency to recycle familiar faces instead of searching for new talent and appointing a coach with a convincing vision. The appointment was handled in a manner that was described as disappointing, with the EFA initially promising to announce a new head coach before the end of September, but ultimately announcing Kunene's reinstatement in October.
The EFA technical committee has already selected players for the Malta match, even without the head coach's involvement, which has raised concerns about the team's preparation and performance. The team is scheduled to depart on Sunday, yet the players have not even had a chance to train together. This has led to questions about how Sihlangu can be taken seriously and how the team can perform with such a glaring lack of planning, coordination, and professionalism.
There are growing concerns about the timing of certain appointments within the football structures, particularly with elections approaching. There is a perception that individuals who are eligible to vote are being strategically positioned in influential roles ahead of the forthcoming elections. This has raised questions about the motives behind the EFA leadership's decisions and whether football is being sacrificed at the altar of internal politics and personal interests.
The upcoming friendly matches in Malta have also raised questions about the actual benefits of this arrangement. Without a clear technical vision, it is unclear whether these international fixtures will form part of a deliberate strategy to improve Eswatini's FIFA ranking, expose players to stronger opposition, and build a competitive squad. Eswatini currently ranks around 168th in the FIFA rankings, and the national team's struggles have been highlighted by neighbouring countries such as Lesotho and Botswana making strides in football.
Reports of dissatisfaction within the EFA executive ranks over the decision to reinstate Kunene have also emerged. If members of the association's own leadership are uncomfortable with the appointment, it may be time for those responsible to reconsider whether this decision genuinely serves local football. The EFA needs to develop a serious football strategy, including a competitive Sihlangu, a sustainable development programme, and a technical structure that prioritizes performance over personal relationships.
Eswatini football needs a complete overhaul, fresh thinking, and leadership that understands the importance of long-term planning. The nation deserves better than vague promises, delayed announcements, and decisions that appear to offer little hope of meaningful progress. If the EFA continues to confuse recycling with progress, Eswatini football will remain stagnant.
Key points
- The Eswatini Football Association's decision to reinstate Dominic Kunene as head coach has raised concerns about administrative stagnation and poor technical planning.
- The appointment has been criticized for reflecting the association's tendency to recycle familiar faces instead of searching for new talent.
- The decision has also raised questions about the motives behind the EFA leadership's decisions and whether football is being sacrificed at the altar of internal politics and personal interests.
