PLAYERS CONFIDENT AHEAD OF COSAFA TEST

LOBAMBA – Sihlangu players have expressed their confidence in getting improved results through their captain Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala.

Thwala shared his remarks during their farewell function held at the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Technical Centre yesterday. Sihlangu left the kingdom yesterday for the 2024 Hollywoodbets Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Cup in Gqeberha.  They lock horns with the Zebras as Botswana are popularly known next Wednesday in this competition’s opening match, at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.  The competition will run until July 7, meanwhile teams that failed to qualify for knockout stages return to their respective countries on July 3.

“It is our wish to change poor results the team is known for. Each player has shown dedication in training. We are looking forward to the first three games and promise to secure good results,” the skipper said. Interim coach Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane finalised a 24-man squad. It is formed of three goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders and six forwards. Despite dropping Moneni Pirates star player Wandile ‘Shaka’ Simelane Ntibane boasts a strong youthful squad. It is headlined by seven Mbabane Swallows players, including Ayanda Gadlela, who was dropped in the team that played the back-to-back World Cup qualifiers against Angola and Mauritius.

The squad also saw the return of Leon ‘Schuster’ Manyisa, Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala and defender Newman Philiso. The coach gave the likes of Nsingizini Hotspurs striker Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane, Madlenya defender Gift Gamedze and Ezulwini United goal-custodian Siyabonga Magagula their first national team call ups.  Ntibane further boosted his squad with Mbabane Highlanders full back Vusi Vilakati and Lubombo based side Illovo’s Samkelo Ginindza. This was after Green Mamba versatile defender Sibongakonkhe Silenge was forced to drop out of the squad due to an injury.

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