8 AFCON STARS TO FACE ‘BIRDS’

MATSAPHA – A stiff competition awaits local CAF envoys Mbabane Swallows, next month.
Reports suggest that eight stars of the opposition, Mamelodi Sundowns, were part of the Bafana Bafana squad that won a bronze medal in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The renowned Themba Zwane headlines this list, alongside goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Thapelo Morena, Grant Kekana and Mothobi Mvala.Head Coach Manqoba Mngqithi will bolster his midfield with highly-rated Captain Zwane, who is valued at over E750 000 by transfermarkte. The captain has been with Sundowns for many seasons, celebrating their seventh league title last season. Midfielder Mokoena recently signed a contract extension with the club until 2029, after reports suggested he might leave.

In addition, shot-stopper Williams made headlines after a couple of stunning penalty saves enabled Bafana Bafana to defeat DR Congo 6-5 on penalties, to finish third at the 2023 (AFCON). The goalkeeper is rated at over E2 million in yesterday’s exchange rate. Umkhonto KaShaka captain Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala said they are aware of their opponents’ profile.
“We know Sundowns is a big team and we respect that. However, we are also preparing well and teamwork will help us to play a good game against them. We are expecting a tough match, seeing that their players dominate Bafana Bafana squad most of the time,” he said.Meanwhile, Coach Caleb Ngwenya could not be drawn for comment, as he had not responded to a questionnaire at the time of compiling this report.

On another note, another player has exited the club ahead of their battle against Swallows. The Moroccan full-back Abdelmounaim Boutouil, with a value close to a million, was confirmed to have left this club two days back. He is not the first player to exit this club. Sundowns have already had Brian Onyango, Bongani Zungu, Matias Esquivel, Junior Mendieta, Gaston Sirino and Thabiso Kutumela making up half of the notable players who have left either on loan or permanently.Boutouil leaves two years after arriving on a E6.8 million transfer and it is now just about a done deal.The Moroccan has played 31 games in two years, battling with injury related issues along the way.The Brazilians, as Sundowns are affectionately known, have a date with local CAF envoys Mbabane Swallows, next month. The second preliminary round first leg will be held from September 13 to 15, with its second leg set to be staged a weekend later.

The iconic Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe Stadium will host Umkhonto KaShaka in their second leg match. Meanwhile, Swallows are yet to confirm their venue, with reports suggesting they have high chances of playing in Mozambique. Though Boutouil has been strongly linked with a move back to Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, his next move is not a sealed deal, with his representatives exploring options, especially in the Gulf Region.With him on his way out, it then means the club’s foreign quota issues will get lighter.So far, Lucas Ribeiro Costa (Brazil) and Marcelo Allende (Chile) have been registered and will be joined by Arthur de Oliviera Sales. Ethiopian striker Abubeker Nasir and Bolivian midfielder Erwin Saavedra, remain in the club’s books and can still be registered.Thwala felt this would at some point benefit players. “A number of players left Sundowns, so that is a good opportunity for us to showcase our skills with the hope of getting greener pastures,” he said.

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