Times Of Swaziland: LIST NOT FINAL – SIHLANGU COACH

LIST NOT FINAL – SIHLANGU COACH
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Mengameli Mabuza on 16/09/2024 08:35:00


MHLUME – Sihlangu Head Coach Zdravko Logarusic clarified that the recently
released initial squad for the national team is subject to changes.
Logarusic, who took Zimbabwe to the 2021 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations
(AFCON) finals, was appointed on August 29, 2024, as the new coach. The coach
revealed in an interview with this publication during the match between Green
Mamba and Rangers FC at Nsukuwansuku Stadium in Mhlume that the national
team’s initial squad is not final.
He disclosed that some players may be dropped from the team, while others will
be called up, as he continues to scout for new talent by attending MTN Premier
League matches across the country.
talent
“I want to attend as many games as possible, to ensure that I have a  vast
pool of talent that Eswatini has to offer. I’m confident that there are many
talented players in the country who deserve a chance to represent our national
team, and I want to make sure that I personally witness their skills. By being
present at these matches, I can better evaluate the players’ strengths and
weaknesses, and make more informed decisions about who to include in the
Sihlangu squad, “he said. Logarusic went on to say that the current national
team squad was largely based on the input of his assistant coaches, but he is
now using his own judgment.
Meanwhile, in a provisional squad leaked to this publication yesterday, reigning
Eswatini goal poacher Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa, is notably absent from his
first squad. The 24 players will start preparations for Mozambique’s clash
slated for next month. According to the list, 24 players, excluding
internationals, will start training, today. New entrants include two of the 8Bet
Trade Fair Cup runners-up Moneni Pirates’ players. These are left wing
attacker Mazwi ‘Zwide’ Sihlongonyane and Mthokozisi Gwebu.
call-up
Meanwhile, champions Young Buffaloes saw Siboniso Sibandze and Fanelo
‘Order’ Mamba earning a call-up. Ali Matse, whose selection seemed long
overdue, is the fourth army-side player in the national team. Meanwhile,
‘Birds’ Given Lukhele was also given a chance to join the national team.
According to a notice by the Eswatini Football Association (EFA), Sihlangu will
also revert to its two-day weekly training schedule, which was long abandoned.
Meanwhile, a full-time training camp, based at the Lobamba Technical Centre,
will commence on October 6 and continue until October 16. Eswatini will take on
Mozambique in back-to-back AFCON qualifying fixtures. The games are scheduled
for October 7 and October 15. The nation’s pride is currently rock-bottom in
Group I. Above them is Guinea Bissau with three points, while Mali and
Mozambique are on four points a piece.