Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Mandla Zwane linked with Tanzania coaching move

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Mandla Zwane is being considered for a coaching role by Tanzanian second-tier club Mbuni FC, according to sources close to the situation.

The 53-year-old South African recently returned from Botswana, where he enjoyed a successful spell with Philikwe United FC, and is now attracting interest as Mbuni look to strengthen their technical team.

No agreement has been reached and discussions remain at an early stage. However, Mbuni are understood to be interested in Zwane and could explore the possibility of appointing him.

“The club is interested in him and there have been discussions about the possibility of him going there. Nothing has been finalised at this stage, but Mandla is one of the coaches they are looking at. Tanzania is becoming an attractive destination for South African coaches, and this could be another opportunity for him to continue his coaching journey outside the country,” a source close to the situation told the Siya crew.

A move to Tanzania would make Zwane the latest South African coach to pursue an opportunity in the East African country, where several high-profile appointments have increased the league’s appeal to coaches from South Africa.

Steve Barker is currently in charge of Tanzanian giants Simba SC, while former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor Manqoba Mngqithi was recently appointed head coach of reigning champions Young Africans.

If Zwane completes a move to Mbuni, he would join a growing group of South African coaches working in Tanzanian football.

Zwane already has experience of coaching outside South Africa. Before returning home from Botswana, he worked with Philikwe United FC, while his coaching career has also included a spell in India.

He was previously employed by Indian Super League club Jamshedpur FC as an assistant coach with the senior team.

The former Orlando Pirates midfielder holds a CAF A Licence and has built experience at several levels of the game. His previous coaching roles include work with AJ United, the UJ Football Team and SAFA Gauteng Under-21.

Zwane’s playing background includes a stint as a midfielder with FC Porto, while his coaching career has taken him through club, university and development football.

Following his time in Botswana, Zwane indicated that he wanted to take on a fresh challenge and felt ready to move to a higher level.

That ambition could now lead him to Tanzania, although any potential appointment at Mbuni FC remains subject to further discussions and the completion of a formal agreement.