‘SKOSH’ LEFT OUT OF BURUNDI-BOUND SQUAD

LOBAMBA – Eswatini CAF Champions League envoys Young Buffaloes have been dealt a heavy blow after their anchorman Wandile ‘Skosh’ Shabangu was left out due to an injury.

This was confirmed by the army side CEO, Sandile Gwebu, yesterday at Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Technical Centre. 

This was just after the farewell function which was attended by EFA President Adam ‘Bomber’ Mthethwa, EFA CEO Frederick Mngomezulu and EFA’s Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi Radebe and the 29-member delegation that is destined for Burundi. 

delegation

The 29-member delegation includes 18 players and 11 officials. The delegation was, however, without their delegation leader Hhohho Regional Football Association (HRFA) chairperson Nigel Shongwe. It was highlighted that he will join the rest of the delegation at the Ngwenya Border Gate later after the farewell function.

recovery

“Skosh will not be part of the squad because he has a ligament injury. Today he is supposed to check the doctor to access how bad the injury is. 

‘‘We wish him a speedy recovery. 

‘‘However, the coach has faith in all the players that we are travelling with,” Gwebu said.

The team left via road to catch a flight at OR Tambo International Airport, which will land in Ethiopia before they get another flight to Burundi, Bujumbura. They will then travel by road almost three hours to Ngozi near the venue where the game will be played. The game is expected to be played on Sunday at Urukundo Stadium and kick-off time is 3pm. The team is expected back home next Thursday.

‘Skosh’, who is also a national team player only played the last 30 minutes in the first leg of the CAF Champions League. 

The game which ended in a goal-less draw was played at the Mavuso Sports Centre on Monday. When reached for comment, the head coach, Sabelo Mnisi said he will have to do without Shabangu.

injured

“There is nothing we can do in this situation because he is injured and he can’t play. We will miss him but Mpendulo ‘Mpetha’ Dlamini will have to bring his ‘A’ game to ensure Shabangu is not sorely missed,” he said.

Buffaloes need to play a 1-all draw or atleast win to advance to the next stage of the continental tournament. 

They will face DR Congo’s AS Vita in the next stage provided they win in Sunday’s match.

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