Former Amawele coach Mphumelelo 'Mapho' Ngwenya has spoken about the challenges he faced after being sacked as coach of the Eswatini MTN Premier League side Amawele. Ngwenya was dismissed after just 90 minutes in charge, following a 3-0 defeat to Ezulwini United in their opening 2026/27 MTN Premier League fixture. He has since credited a collaborative mental health workshop organized by UNICEF, the Eswatini Football Association (EFA), and the Ministry of Health for providing him with crucial coping mechanisms.
The workshop, which brought together clubs' Public Relations Officers (PROs), football administrators, and sports journalists, aimed to address mental well-being in the sporting fraternity. Ngwenya expressed his gratitude for the initiative, stating that it helped him navigate the challenges of being a coach in a high-pressure environment. The former Ludzeludze Killers gaffer made headlines after his swift departure from Amawele, and he acknowledged that he needed the workshop to cope with the setback.
The collaborative initiative was held at the United Nations offices on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Ngwenya spoke on behalf of the football coaches who attended the session, thanking UNICEF, the EFA, and the Ministry of Health for organizing the workshop. The program reflects a growing recognition of the importance of psychological support systems for managers, officials, and players in competitive sports.
The high-pressure environment of top-flight football in Eswatini often places immense scrutiny on technical teams, with patience from club hierarchies being notably short. Ngwenya's experience at Amawele is a prime example of this, with his swift dismissal following a single defeat. The mental health workshop provided him with valuable insights and coping strategies to deal with such situations.
Programmes involving stakeholders like UNICEF, the EFA, and the Ministry of Health have increasingly stepped in to advocate for psychological support systems in Eswatini's sports sector. These initiatives aim to help managers, officials, and players navigate the cutthroat nature of competitive sport. By providing a safe space for discussion and learning, such workshops can have a positive impact on the well-being of those involved.
Ngwenya's story highlights the challenges faced by coaches and technical teams in Eswatini's football scene. His experience serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being in sports. By sharing his story, Ngwenya hopes to raise awareness about the need for psychological support systems in the sporting fraternity.
The Eswatini football community has been taking steps to address mental health issues in sports. With the support of organizations like UNICEF, the EFA, and the Ministry of Health, football clubs and administrators are being empowered to prioritize mental well-being. This collaborative approach is expected to have a positive impact on the overall health and well-being of those involved in Eswatini's sports sector.
Key points
- Former Amawele coach Mphumelelo 'Mapho' Ngwenya credits a UNICEF-organized mental health workshop for helping him cope with being sacked after just 90 minutes in charge.
