AFTER the departure of Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba as head coach of Isihlangu, the Swaziland national team, the search is on for his replacement and Kenny Ndlazi is tipped to take over the reins.

The appointment of Ndlazi, pictured, as Isihlangu coach will put to rest speculation that he will reunite Mashaba as his assistant at the national Under-23 squad.

Mashaba was re-appointed head coach of the u-23 squad two months ago.

Sowetan has it on good authority that Ndlazi tops the list of candidates for Isihlangu job.

Apart from his coaching stints at club level, Ndlazi will be better remembered for his success at steering the u-23 squad to a historic 3-1 victory over the Brazilian side at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.

He stood in for the suspended Mashaba in that encounter.

Ndlazi is a well-travelled coach after having mentored teams like Moroka Swallows, Bush Bucks, Ria Stars, Mahwelereng Real Rovers, Tembisa Classic and Absa Premiership side Mpumalanga Black Aces, whom he led to the final of the Nedbank Cup in 2008.

He is currently head coach of Swazi side Denver Sundowns, whom he promoted from the First Division to the Swaziland Premier League.

National Football of Swaziland chief executive Frederick Ngomezulu, who praised Mashaba for the sterling job as Isihlangu mentor, pleaded ignorance about the pending appointment of Ndlazi as their national coach.

"It is news to me that Ndlazi is coming in as Isihlangu coach."

Approached for comment at the weekend Ndlazi said he was not aware of any move by the NFS to employ him as Isihlangu coach.

"If they offer me that job I will grab the opportunity with both hands."