Coach Josiah “Diggar” Dlamini has an extensive history in football, beginning as a junior player with Water Lillies in Pigg’s Peak from 1971 to 1976. He went on to play for Mbabane Highlanders in 1977 and United Artisan FC in 1985 before retiring from playing in 1988. He founded the National Coaches Association in 1987 and began coaching Mbelembel FC in 1989. After joining the referees in 1990, he became the assistant coach for Mbabane Highlanders in 1991 and the head coach for the under 20 national team in 1992. In 1993, he became the assistant coach for the senior national team and completed a 3-month coaching course in Hungary. He went on to become the head coach for the senior national team from 1994 to 1995 and has multiple coaching qualifications from various courses. He has coached several teams, including CM Sales, Tsakane Aces, and Spur Tec FC. He was also the assistant coach for the Sihlangu National Team in 1999 and the chairman of the Coaches Association and executive member of the Football Association from 2009 to 2013. He served as the manager of the national team from 2014 to 2016 before joining the Atibuye Emasisweni Foundation, where he believes in giving back to the nation by nurturing young talent at the primary level and improving the sport in the country.

Wicky Marks, also known as Saddam Hussein, has had an impressive football career. He played for Bulembu Young Aces FC in 1986 and later joined Denver Sundowns in 1988. He was also part of the senior squad national team from 1992 to 1995 before retiring in 1995. Wicky Marks is passionate about the sport and wants to give back to the younger generations. He is excited to be part of Atibuye Emasisweni and hopes to use his experience to help young players develop useful skills, gain discipline, and enjoy the benefits of playing soccer.

Tembinkosi (Psycho) Mavimbela has an impressive soccer history, having played for various teams such as Shiselweni Under 14, Evelyn Baring High School, Nhlangano Wanderer, Shiselweni Super League, Mbabane Swallows, and Manzini Sundowns. After retiring in 2005, he became a coach for Mpolonjeni FC in 2006. His passion for working with children led him to join Atibuye Emasisweni where he gets the opportunity to share his knowledge and experience with young soccer players. He aims to help them develop into responsible adults and skilled football players. Mavimbela is enthusiastic about coaching and is dedicated to creating a positive impact on the lives of the youth through the sport.

Fanie Terblanche has a rich history in the world of football. He played for Big Bend United from 1977 to 1979, and went on to play for the youth squads of the national team from 1980 to 1982. In 1986, he was selected for the senior squad of the national team, and also played for Denver Sundowns FC from 1986 until his retirement in 2002. After retiring, he became the senior team coach for Denver Sundowns, serving as both a player and coach. Currently, he is excited to be a part of Atibuye Emasisweni, where he can help young players develop useful skills, experience, discipline, and balance between sports and education and wellness.

Sibusiso Dlamini, also known as Spoko, is a highly accomplished football player and coach. He played for several teams including Royal Leopards, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, and Black Leopards, to name a few. He also represented the national team in the Under 20, Under 23, and Senior Team. As a coach, he has trained several teams including Amawele FC, Royal Dynamos, Swazi Sun, and Malanti Chiefs FC. He is a qualified coach with License D Eswatini and License C CAF. Currently, he is an assistant coach for the national Under 17 team. He believes that sports are fun and a way to enjoy oneself while training players to be better than he used to be, enjoying the space.

Mbongeni Dlamini, also known as Bathathe, has an impressive soccer background having played for Lavumisa FC in 1996 and Manzini Wanderers in 1999. He has also been a physical trainer for Nsingizini Hotspurs from 2017 to 2021. Bathathe has a strong passion for soccer and desires to work with the younger generations through the Atibuye Emasisweni Foundation, providing training and coaching to develop them into the next soccer stars. With his experience and love for the sport, he hopes to inspire and groom the next generation of soccer players.

Msimisi Mncanywa is a well-experienced coach and football player, having played for several teams in his career. He has played for Umbelebele Jomo Cosmos, Mbabane Highlanders, Manzini Wanderers, and Matsapha United. Additionally, he has represented the national team in Under 17, Under 20, and Under 23 categories. Currently, he is the coach of the National First Division team, Shooting Stars FC. According to him, soccer is more than just a sport, it brings people together and helps inculcate a sense of responsibility. He is passionate about passing down his experience and knowledge to the younger generation of players.

Meet Mgonodi Sidell, a former professional football player who has made a name for himself in the sport. Sidell played for some of the most notable teams in Swaziland, including Moneni Pirates, Denver Sundowns, and Mbabane Swallows. He started playing in 1992 and had a successful career that lasted over two decades, retiring in 2013. Sidell is a true football person who has a deep love for the sport. His passion for football is evident in his dedication and hard work, which made him a respected player on and off the field. Overall, Mgonodi Sidell is a legendary football player who has left an indelible mark on the sport in Swaziland.

Clement King Clay Mdluli is an experienced football coach and former player who has made significant contributions to the sport. He began his playing career in 1982 with Manzini Wanderers Juniors before moving up to the senior squad in 1985. In 1986, he represented the national team in both the under 20 and senior squads. He also holds a license A qualification, which reflects his expertise in coaching.

As a coach, Mdluli has worked with several teams, including Wanderers, Tambuti, and Millin Hotspurs. He is currently serving as the assistant head coach of the under 23 national team. Mdluli’s passion for football is evident in his commitment to nurturing new talent in the region. He is keen to share his knowledge and skills with others and is dedicated to supporting the development of the sport. With his extensive experience and qualifications, Mdluli is a valuable asset to any team he works with.

Zandile Bulunga, affectionately known as Zee, is a passionate and dedicated figure in the world of football. Her journey began in the 90s when she fearlessly ventured into the male-dominated sport, fearlessly playing with the boys while simultaneously tending to cattle. In 1996, Zee joined Kappa Ladies F.C as a goalkeeper, showcasing her natural talent and unwavering determination. After a fulfilling career on the field, she retired in 2003.

However, Zee’s love for the game didn’t end with her playing days. She transitioned seamlessly into the role of a coach and mentor. In her tenure as the Amphire and coach of the USUTU Zone, Zee focused on developing young footballers and honing their skills. In 2014, she took on a coaching position at Manzini Sundowns, later transitioning to Denver Sundowns in 2020. In the same year, Zee founded the School of Excellence, an academy aimed at nurturing young talents between the ages of under 10 to under 17, with a particular emphasis on encouraging more girls to participate. The success of her coaching methods is evident in the achievements of her prodigies. Junior Mthethwa, one of her notable products, is now a promising midfielder playing for the under 19 Swallows, while Siphelele Thwala, whom she started coaching at an early age, is a talented goalkeeper for Denver Sundowns’ under 19 team. Zandile Bulunga continues to make a profound impact on the football community, inspiring young athletes to chase their dreams and achieve greatness.

Thulisile Nxumalo, also known as Smaga, is a determined and talented individual who found her passion for football in the 90s. Defying gender norms, she fearlessly played alongside boys while also fulfilling responsibilities of tending to cattle. In 1996, Thulisile joined Kappa Ladies F.C as a defender, showcasing her exceptional skills and commitment to the game. In 2012, she made a move to Mhlume Ladies, further establishing herself as a formidable presence on the field.

As her love for the sport grew, Thulisile embarked on a coaching journey in 2020. In 2021, she founded Dlangeni Ladies, a team that quickly made an impact under her guidance. Her coaching prowess was evident as Dlangeni Ladies secured victories in two tournaments. Looking ahead to the 2023-24 league, Thulisile remains determined and optimistic, aiming for further successes and nurturing talented players who could potentially be exported to higher levels of competition. With her unwavering dedication and expertise, Thulisile Nxumalo, aka Smaga, is undoubtedly an influential figure in women’s football, inspiring young players to excel and achieve their dreams.

Bongani “Baby B” Dlamini is a dedicated football coach and former player with a rich background in the sport. He began his playing career in 1998 as a full back, featuring prominently for Manzini Sea Birds from 2002 to 2004 and Mbabane Highlanders from 2005 to 2008. Dlamini continued his career with Mbabane Citizen, playing from 2008 to 2015, where he retired as a centre back and central midfielder.

Transitioning into coaching, Dlamini took charge of the Under 17 team at Esigangeni Real Touch FC, where he developed a passion for nurturing young talent. In 2024, he started coaching at Esigangeni Primary School, focusing on children under 9, believing that early coaching leads to better skill development.

Dlamini values the impact of the Atibuye Emasisweni project on sports in Eswatini and is committed to fostering the growth of young players. His experience and dedication make him an invaluable asset to any team he coaches.