NO ‘BIRDS’ PLAYERS AT SIHLANGU

MBABANE – A ‘makeshift’ Sihlangu squad has started preparations for the AFCON game against Africa’s top-ranked national side Tunisia.

In 18 days, the national outfit will face the North African giants in their second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Mavuso Sports Centre.  Sihlangu sneaked into a training camp without most of the seasoned campaigners yesterday.

While the team has been kept secret, it was reliably gathered that Swallows players were not part of the about 20 players currently preparing for the game.
Swallows, who usually have not less than six players in the national team, are still to play their CAF Champions League final group match against Club Desportivo away in Angola next Tuesday (August 28).

As a result, the players have been excused for now.
Also missing out at this stage are Eswatini internationals that include Felix Badenhorst and goalkeeper Sandile ‘Nkomishi’ Ginindza of Mpumalanga-based side Mbombela United. They are yet to feature for their new team, as they are still waiting for their work permits.

Other internationals are Justice Figureido of Maritzburg United and Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze from Polokwane City. Reports suggest they will only be considered during the full-time camp and final team selection. Sanele Mkhweli, who is at another South African National First Division side TS Sporting, is also yet to start preparing with the national side. He is also not playing in the neighbouring country pending the finalisation of his work permit.

A majority of the players in camp are from Young Buffaloes and they include goalkeeper Nhlanhla Gwebu, lanky forward Phiwa Dlamini and gifted midfielder Sandile Gamedze.
Others are Zweli ‘Mlilo’ Nxumalo from Royal Leopard, Mxolisi Mkhontfo, Banele ‘Makonese’ Dlamini and the returning Mthunzi ‘Xavi’ Mkhontfo of Green Mamba, among others. Sabelo ‘Sawa’ Gamedze of Mbabane Highlanders has also made the cut.

Three goalkeepers are part of the team. They are Gwebu, Khanyakezwe Shabalala of Highlanders, as well as Leopard’s Phephisani Msibi.
Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi Radebe could only confirm that the national side began their preparations yesterday, but his office was yet to be furnished with the list of the players.

“The available players are in a training camp, but I’m in no position to announce who is in camp and who is not.
“The training camp will continue until further notice,” was all he could say.

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