TRADE FAIR CUP: MANYISA, GADLELA BOOST FOR ‘BIRDS’

MBABANE – Ahead of the much-anticipated 8Bet Trade Fair Cup, capital city giants Swallows are set to have a major boost.

Reports suggest that six players were released from national team camp yesterday. It is said these players are allowed to participate in the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup scheduled to start today. Capital city giants duo of midfielder Leon ‘Schuster’ Manyisa and forward Ayanda ‘Gandaganda’ Gadlela headline this list. They are said to be exempted from national team duty alongside Illovo duo in Khwezi and Gcina Matsebula. Sidwashini United lone representative Sabelo Dlamini was also said to return to his club ahead of the much-awaited thriller matches.

Swallows also unveiled their new signings in midfielder Phiwokuhle ‘Skosh’ Shabangu, forward Bobo Angwenga, goalie Nkosingiphile Mathe and midfielder Grace Mosengo through their official page yesterday. The red and white ensemble Swallows face top-flight league rookies Sisonke in this year’s edition at the iconic Mavuso Sports Centre. This match will commence at 4:15pm after the game between Royal Leopard and Moneni Pirates. It will precede the game between Nsingizini Hotspurs and Manzini Wanderers at 6:30pm.

Goalkeeper

Nevertheless, the Caleb Ngwenya-coached outfit, who are fresh from setting a date with South Africa’s Betway Premiership side Mamelodi Sundowns in the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, will be minus first-choice goalkeeper Sandanezwe ‘Sanda’ Mathabela, defenders Siphosethu Mabilisa, Philiso Newman and captain Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala.
Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi ‘Rhoo’ Radebe neither confirmed these reports. “So far the national team has not left yet. Normally the delegation is known during the day of departure. As yet I do not have any reports regarding the circulating reports,” he said.

The 2024 8Bet Trade Fair Cup is sponsored to the tune of E7.5 million, with this edition allocated E2 million. A mouth-watering package of E600 000 awaits the champions. The finals will be played next Sunday.  Meanwhile, Nsingizini Hotspurs goalie Sibusiso ‘Baraba’ Dlamini’s release was inevitable following an injury. Dlamini and Swallows defender Siphosethu Mabilisa sustained injuries during their recent TotalEnergies Confederation of African Football (CAF) inter-club competitions. The left-back will purportedly be off the pitch for two weeks.

Dlamini is said to be ruled out due to a dislocation in his left-thumb. Sihlangu are expected to depart the kingdom for Guinea-Bissau today. They meet at the September 24 National Stadium on Thursday. Sihlangu will then proceed to Mbombela Stadium for their date against Mali a few days later. This will mark the continuation of their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers.

Released players
Leon Manyisa-Mbabane Swallows
Ayanda Gadlela-Mbabane Swallows
Gcina Matsebula-Illovo
Sabelo Dlamini-Sdwashini United
Khwezi Matsebula-Illovo
Sibusiso ‘Baraba’ Dlamini-Nsingizini Hotspurs

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