Times Of Swaziland: ZESCO’S MKHONTA  IN, KHANYA,  SANDA OUT!

ZESCO’S MKHONTA  IN, KHANYA,  SANDA OUT!
================================================================================
Melusi Mkhabela and Simphiwe Ndwandwe on 23/05/2024 08:51:00


MBABANE – Eswa- tini export Lindo Mkhonta has made a return to the national
team after an absence since July of last year.
Interim Coach Dominic Kunene announced a 26-man squad for both the World Cup
Qualifiers and the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA)
Senior Challenge during a media briefing at Sigwaca House. The meeting was also
attended by Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Marketing and Communications
Officer, Muzi ‘Rhoo’ Radebe. The games will be played next month.
Mkhonta’s last appearance for the national side was in the COSAFA Cup in
Durban. The 26-man squad for the camp includes three internationals.
Sihlangu’s busy schedule begins with a trip to Angola for the June 7
International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) World Cup Qualifiers.
Notably, the former national team captain, who plays for giants ZESCO United in
Zambia, is among the additions, alongside Jwaneng Galaxy’s Mxolisi Mkhontfo
and Richards Bay’s Justice Figuareido. Kunene has also made some notable
changes to the squad, dropping Mbabane Highlanders’ first-choice goalkeeper,
Khanyakwezwe ‘Bhiya’ Shabalala, in favour of Nsingizini’s Sibusiso
‘Bharaba’ Dlamini, Green Mamba’s Colani Gama, and Royal Leopard’s
Ncamiso ‘Mbhonyo’ Dlamini. Mbabane Swallows shot-stopper Sandanezwe
Mathabela also did not make the cut.
Returned
In addition, Philani Mkhontfo of Mbabane Highlanders and Mbabane Swallows’
Leon Manyisa have returned to the national team, replacing Sandile ‘Saviola’
Gamedze and Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala, who did not receive a call-up for
the upcoming games against Angola and Mauritius. Royal Leopard’s Junior
Magagula also makes a return after being one of the seven players who were
snubbed in the 20-man squad for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON)
preliminary qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Kunene expressed confidence in the selected squad, emphasising their
determination to give their best. He also addressed the time frame required to
watch enough games in order to select a strong squad. “As a coach, you have to
watch the games; you even watch the youngsters; as a football personality, one
has the opportunity to watch all these games,” said Kunene.
Scouting
Furthermore, he highlighted that sometimes it was not about scouting for the
national team, but looking for a job opportunity where, if hired one would
consider who they would need to sign for that club. Noteworthy is that Mbabane
Swallows’ Siphosethu Mabilisa has earned his first national team call-up after
an outstanding season, playing as a left-back for the capital city giants.
Kunene acknowledged Mabilisa’s growth as a player and the value he was
bringing to the team. “Left-footed players are limited in number, so when the
opportunity arises to acquire such a player, it must be seized,” said Kunene.