Mbabane – According to a report by the Eswatini Observer, Belgian coach Luc Eymael has formally applied for the position of Eswatini national football team head coach, entering a growing race to take charge of Sihlangu Semnikati.
Eymael, who holds a UEFA Pro Licence and brings decades of coaching experience across Africa, confirmed his application and spoke openly about his motivation for wanting the job.
“Yes, I applied for the national team job. I have worked with players from Eswatini before like Justice Figaredo at Chippa United and we had a very good relationship. He performed at a high level under me and scored important goals for Sihlangu. Seeing him no longer in the starting line-up is surprising. I believe there is talent in this country and I am confident I can help the team perform better on the international stage,” he said. 
The 65-year-old’s résumé includes stints at Chippa United, Free State Stars, Polokwane City, AFC Leopards, Young Africans and AS Vita Club, among others. His achievements include winning the league title with AS Vita Club in 2010, the Nedbank Cup with Free State Stars in 2018 and multiple best coach awards in 2024 and 2025.
Sources close to the process say Eymael is fully committed to securing the position rather than simply testing the waters. He believes Sihlangu’s struggles stem not from a lack of ability but from issues that can be addressed through structure, discipline and renewed belief within the squad.
Should he progress in the process, Eymael could find himself competing against a familiar face in Selaotse Mosala, his former assistant with whom he won the Nedbank Cup during the 2017/18 season with Free State Stars. Other reported applicants include Harries Bulunga, Anthony Mdluli, Christopher Ennin and Zdravko Logarusic, making for a diverse and competitive pool of candidates.
The urgency around filling the position has grown following Sihlangu’s shock elimination by Eritrea in the preliminary qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, a result that intensified calls for change and placed pressure on the Eswatini Football Association, headed by Peter Simelane.
The EFA has maintained a cautious stance throughout the process. Communications Manager Muzi Radebe said the recruitment was being handled professionally. “Applications are being handled in a professional manner, just like in any organisation. Once the process is complete, the new coach will be unveiled,” he said.
