SIHLANGU: 'PUPU', MXOLISI IN, TUBELIHLE, MATSE OUT

MBABANE – Significant changes have been made to the newly-announced Sihlangu squad, ahead of their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

While all players plying their trade outside the country’s borders have earned call-ups, some local regulars have been surprisingly dropped.

Internationals Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze of Tabora United (Tanzania), Mxolisi Mkhonto from Jwaneng Galaxy (Botswana), Justice Figareido of Richards Bay FC (South Africa), and Lindo Mkhonta of Zesco United (Zambia) have all been included in the squad. However, Nsingizini Hotspurs’ Thubelihle Mavuso and Royal Leopard’s Sifiso Matse, both consistent performers in recent line-ups, have been omitted.

Speaking at a press conference held yesterday at Sigwaca House in Mbabane, Head Coach Zdravko Logarusic, a Croatian tactician known for his no-nonsense approach, explained his selections. “This is a tentative squad for our upcoming matches against Cameroon and Mauritius next week. We’ve selected players who are in top form, and it was crucial to bring in our internationals to add experience and quality to the team,” he said.

Logarusic also hinted at a long-term vision, adding, “I’m looking to integrate junior players to ensure continuity and build a stronger foundation for the future.”

The selected players were expected in camp from yesterday , to begin preparations for the two qualifiers. Sihlangu will face Cameroon on March 19, at 6pm and Mauritius on March 23,  at 3pm, with both matches scheduled at the Mbombela Stadium in South Africa, a venue familiar to the team due to its proximity and modern facilities.

The inclusion of the foreign-based quartet reflects their strong performances at club level. Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze has been a standout midfielder for Tabora United in the Tanzanian Premier League, known for his tireless work rate and precise passing. Mxolisi Mkhonto, a versatile playmaker, has impressed at Jwaneng Galaxy in Botswana, contributing goals and assists in their domestic campaign. Justice Figareido, a clinical striker at Richards Bay FC in South Africa’s second-tier, brings a sharp goal-scoring instinct, while Lindo Mkhonta’s defensive solidity at Zesco United in the Zambian Super League adds steel to the backline.

The exclusion of Mavuso and Matse, however, has raised eyebrows among fans. Mavuso, a dynamic midfielder, has been a regular starter for Nsingizini Hotspurs and previously earned praise for his energy in Sihlangu’s midfield. Likewise, Captain Matse, a seasoned campaigner with Royal Leopard, has been a reliable presence in recent national team outings.

When queried about who would assume the captaincy in the absence of Matse, Coach Zdravko Logarusic responded with assurance, asserting that his squad boasts a wealth of natural leaders. He hinted that the armband could be entrusted to one of the seasoned internationals – such as Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze, Mxolisi Mkhonto, Justice Figareido, or Lindo Mkhonta – or perhaps to the promising Junior Magagula, a standout midfielder from Royal Leopards FC. “There are numerous players with the mettle to lead,” he remarked.

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