I NEVER RETIRED FROM SIHLANGU-FELIX

MANZINI – Sihlangu seasoned forward Felix ‘Fela’ Badenhorst has refuted claims suggesting retirement from the national team.
Badenhorst said this during an open media day, staged at Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday. He returns to the national team after a hiatus of over three years. “I am happy to return after so long. Looking at the squad and team spirit, we will compete against Mozambique. I never retired from the national team,” he said. Earlier reports suggested that the former AS Vita striker (34) felt he was too old to play for Sihlangu and wanted to give youngsters a chance. The Leopard attacker recently recorded his first goal since joining this club. This was during their 4-0 victory over Illovo, last weekend.

Meanwhile, Sihlangu Captain Lindo ‘All-Trades’ Mkhonta, said he had no hard feelings about his previous snubs. It is worth noting that the right-footed player is also the assistant Captain for his Zambian side, ZESCO United. “The nation can expect Sihlangu to perform better. I am not bitter about not being captain the last time I received a call-up. That is how football is, decisions are changed every now and then,” he said. Head Coach Zdravko Logarusic, said they should not underestimate their opponents. “They are coming from all around the world. However, we should not be scared of anyone. Mkhonta was not part of the squad last time. He is here now and his international experience, he  will play a pivotal role in the defence,” he said. 

Sihlangu is expected to depart for Mozambique, today. They are billed to face Mozambique this Friday at Zimpeto Stadium, with kickoff set for 3pm. They will then travel to South Africa (SA) for their home game against the same team, next Monday. The game will start at 9pm. This will mark the continuation of their 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers. Some changes have been made to the national team squad due to injuries to players like Manzini Sea Birds midfielder Mpendulo Tfomo and Mbabane Highlanders defender Khwezi Matsebula. On the other hand, Mozambique Head Coach Chiquinho Conde, has called-up a 25-man squad to face Eswatini. It is headlined by international-based players including Atletico Madrid’s defender Reinildo Mandava, Bandirmaspor’s Edson Sitoe and Sporting Clube de Portugal’s striker Geny Catamo, among others.

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