Sonnyboy Zitha takes charge at Tabankulu Celtics as South African coaches make mark in Eswatini

South African coach Sonnyboy Zitha has been appointed head coach of Eswatini Premier League club Tabankulu Celtics on a one-year contract, with the agreement including an option to renew based on his performance.

Zitha replaces former Kaizer Chiefs coach Humphrey Mlwane, becoming the latest South African tactician to continue his career across the border in Eswatini.

The former Machidi Lion Brothers FC mentor joins a growing group of coaches from South Africa working in the country’s top flight. Floyd Mogale is in charge of Mbabane Highlanders AM, while Selaotse Mosala leads Moneni Piratese.

Celtics boss Dumisani Msibi confirmed Zitha’s appointment as the club prepares for the upcoming season.

“We have brought in Sonnyboy as the head coach. He is a young and upcoming coach and deserves the opportunity. I believe he will do well in Eswatini,” Msibi tells KickOff.

The move adds Zitha to a list that also includes Mandla Qhogi, who has enjoyed the most notable recent success among South African coaches in Eswatini.

Qhogi took charge of Nsingizini Hotspurs in May 2025 after leaving Milford FC. Since then, he has overseen an impressive spell in the Eswatini MTN Premier League.

Within months of his appointment, the former Buccaneers development coach guided Nsingizini Hotspurs to the 2025 8Bet Trade Fair Cup title in September. It was his first trophy with the club.

Hotspurs also showed promise in the CAF Champions League under Qhogi, although their campaign ended in the preliminary stages.

The former Sekhukhune United DStv Diski Challenge tactician later added another honour to his record in Eswatini when Nsingizini Hotspurs defeated Green Mamba 1-0 in the Ingwenyama Cup final in May.

Zitha will now attempt to establish himself at Tabankulu Celtics, with the club giving him the opportunity to lead its campaign in the new season. His contract runs for 12 months, but the option to extend the deal will depend on the success he achieves during his first year in charge.

The movement of South African coaches into Eswatini comes as clubs in the country continue to appoint tacticians from across the border. Zitha’s arrival at Celtics means that several South African coaches will be involved in the Eswatini Premier League during the upcoming campaign.

Meanwhile, there has also been a change in ownership involving another Eswatini Premier League club. South African businessman All Kgomongwe has bought Amawele FC and renamed the club Black Tigers ahead of the new season.