KWAKHE, ‘KARAS’ BACK, ‘SAVIOLA’ OUT

MBABANE – Sihlangu coach Zdravko Logarusic has recalled Mbabane Swallows impressive duo of Kwakhe Thwala and Bongi ‘Karas’ Magagula ahead of the back-to-back TotalEnergies AFCON qualifying  fixtures.

The Umkhonto KaShaka pair were initially part of the squad selected by the Croatian mentor for the second leg of the 2025 African Nations Champions (CHAN) Qualifiers against Zimbabwe, last month, but left the team under dramatic circumstances. Sihlangu triumphed over the Brave Warriors with a commanding 4-0 aggregate victory, securing a match-up with Madagascar in the next round of the qualifiers. During a media day at Mavuso Sports Centre, Logarusic revealed that he had previously sent Swallows Skipper Thwala packing, while his teammate ‘Karas’ missed training due to injury.

Disciplinary

The players’ actions did not sit well with the coach, who indicated that disciplinary measures would be taken against them, particularly against ‘Karas’. However, Logarusic has had a change of heart, incorporating both players into the 22-member squad preparing for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau and Mali, later this month. The announcement was made in the presence of Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi ‘Rhoo’ Radebe, at a press conference held at Sigwaca House, yesterday. Logarusic explained his decision to exclude international players, such as Justice Figaureido from Richards Bay and Lindo Mkhonta from ZESCO United, stating, “We want to use these games to prepare for the matches against Madagascar. That is the reason I didn’t call the international players.”

He emphasised that prioritising local-based players for the AFCON fixtures will foster a positive mindset within the squad. In other roster changes, Young Buffaloes attacking midfielder Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze leads the list of players dropped from the previous squad, alongside Moneni Pirates’ Rio Matsenjwa and Nsingizini Hotspurs’ Bongiswa ‘Pumba’ Dlamini. Notably, Manzini Sea Birds’ defensive midfielder Mpendulo Tfomo has made a return to the squad. The national team players will enter full-time camp, on Sunday, at the Lobamba Technical Centre, following the conclusion of round seven in the MTN Premier League.

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