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MBABANE – Former Mbabane Highlanders AM coach Ernest Mavuso is reportedly on the verge of taking charge of Celtics.
The club is seeking a replacement for South African tactician Sonnyboy Zitha, who left after just three matches into the season.
Celtics are rooted at the bottom of the league standings after losing to Amawele and Green Mamba before drawing with Madlenya.
Celtics Board of Governors member Sebenele Hlatjwako confirmed that negotiations with Mavuso were at an advanced stage.
“It is true that Zitha has left the club following decisions taken by higher management. We have since approached Mavuso and talks are at an advanced stage. We have already offered him a contract and he suggested minor tweaks. We are working around the clock to finalise that,” he said.
Mavuso also confirmed that the club had approached him but maintained that nothing had been concluded.
“It is true that Celtics approached me. However, nothing has been finalised yet,” he said.
Zitha reportedly left last Friday following the team’s second defeat, against Amawele.
He had been appointed to replace former Kaizer Chiefs player Humphrey Mlwane.
Meanwhile, Celtics have also reportedly seen changes in their communications department, with PRO Xolani ‘Bashin’ Dlamini having resigned. Bheka Magagula is reportedly in line to replace him.
Mavuso has been without a club since resigning from Mbabane Highlanders AM, popularly known as the ‘Black Bull Kraal’, in March. He is understood to have been offered a contract of at least one season by Celtics, alongside additional benefits.
During his coaching career, Mavuso guided Green Mamba to the preliminary round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League in 2023, where they faced Mozambique’s UD Songo. He also served as interim co-coach of Sihlangu alongside Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane.
His potential appointment comes amid several coaching changes in the region. Former Green Mamba coach Mthunzi Ginindza is now in charge of ‘Inyok’eluhlazana’, while Selaotse ‘Sly’ Mosala, who was with Highlanders last season, has taken charge at Moneni Pirates. Caleb Ngwenya has also moved from Mbabane Swallows to Ezulwini United.
Highlanders announced that they had accepted Mavuso’s resignation after he reportedly stepped down following a goalless MTN Premier League draw against Manzini Wanderers at Mavuso Sports Centre last season.
The club subsequently appointed Mosala as his replacement. Mosala had previously taken over from Mavuso at Highlanders during the tenure of former director Chief Ally Kgomongwe.
Elsewhere, Botswana FNB Premiership side Mochudi Centre Chiefs recently appointed former Matebele head coach and South African football legend Reneilwe ‘Yeye’ Letsholonyane.