Times Of Swaziland: DELAYED PREPS FOR SIHLANGU OPPONENTS

DELAYED PREPS FOR SIHLANGU OPPONENTS
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Ntombikayise Gwebu on 04/09/2024 18:55:00


MBABANE – Sihlangu have received a mental boost, if reports surrounding
tomorrow’s AFCON opponents Guinea-Bissau are anything to go by.
Reports suggested that the ‘Djurtus’, as they are fondly known, started
training, this past Monday. Their official social media page confirmed the
latest developments. Meanwhile, Sihlangu started training, over a week back,
after assistant Coach Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane called his troops for national
duty. Having left Sunday evening led by Head of Delegation Vusie Hall, Eswatini
arrived safely in the foreign land and were expected to train, late yesterday.
Revealed
It was exclusively revealed that Guinea-Bissau National Manager Luis Boa Morte
announced a 25-man squad for their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) clash against
Eswatini. Sihlangu are currently in that country for their date with
Guinea-Bissau at the September 24 National Stadium, tomorrow. This
much-anticipated match marks the continuation of their 2025 AFCON Qualifiers.
Sihlangu’s journey started in the preliminary round. Morte boasts a strong
squad, dominated by 18 Europe-based players. Most of the players ply their trade
in top leagues in Spain, France and Portugal. Forward Mama Samba Balde, who
currently plays for France Ligue 1 team Olympique Lyon, headlines this list. The
manager will bank on FC Metz player Fali Cande in his defence to stop Eswatini
goal-poacher Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa. Eswatini Football Association (EFA)
President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane urged the team to showcase a spectacular
performance during a farewell media conference held at Lobamba Technical Centre,
this past Sunday.
Coach
Head coach Zravko Logarusic requested the nation to give his charges the benefit
of the doubt. “Our job is to represent this beautiful country and we will try
our best. Give us a bit of credit and we will not disappoint,” Logarusic said.
 Meanwhile, skipper Sifiso ‘Ayoba’ Matse declared war against the opponents,
saying they were working towards qualifying for AFCON. “We have worked hard
with the coaches. As we depart, the team is well aware of what is expected. We
have never qualified to play in AFCON. However, we are prepared to qualify. We
promise to follow the coaches’ instructions and to return with good
results,” he said.  Notably, the new Sihlangu coach has remained behind due to
visa issues. His first game in charge will be the fixture against Mali in South
Africa, next Tuesday.
SIHLANGU SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Xolani Gama, Sandanezwe Mathabela, Mlamuli Makhanya
DEFENDERS: Sibongakonkhe Silenge, Mcolisi Manana, Nkosing’phile Shongwe,
Vusumuzi Vilakati, Vusi Gamedze, Philiso Newman
MIDFIELDERS: Simanga Masangane, Philiswa Dlamini, Mpendulo Tfomo, Sifiso Matse,
Junior Magagula, Kwakhe Thwala, Thubelihle Mavuso
STRIKERS: Justice Figuareido, Mthokozisi Gwebu, Sabelo Ndzinisa, Philani
Mkhontfo, Bongwa Matsebula