Yuki' bounces back at Sihlangu

MBABANE – Sanity finally prevailed as Swazi international, Dennis ‘Yuki’ Masina was named among the 26 players to start fulltime camp with Sihlangu next week Monday.

Masina, who is one of the squad’s longest serving players and had previously been picked for national duty even when he was not playing regularly for Orlando Pirates, has wormed his way back into the team after some cameo appearances for relegated Mpumalanga Black Aces.

The nation’s pride begins earnest preparations for the return AFCON Qualifier match against Sudan billed for June 5 at the Somhlolo National Stadium.

Appointed interim Sihlangu coach Obed ‘Foreman’ Mlotsa announced the list of players yesterday at the Sigwaca House conference room. Present during the announcement of the national team were National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Welile Mabuza and Chairman of the FA Technical Committee Nicodemus ‘Ace’ Mashwama.

Mlotsa will be assisted by Mbabane Swallows assistant coach Nyanga ‘Crook’s Hlophe with Technical Director Boy ‘Bizzah’ Mkhonta acting as an advisor until the announcement of the Sihlangu head coach next week.

A surprise omission in this announced list of players was South Africa’s Jomo Cosmos striker Phinda Dlamini. Mlotsa explained that the player will be recalled if the need arises and said they were still monitoring his performance.

Royal Leopard defender Sihawu Dlamini is among the latest inclusion of players who were not part of the squad that played the away first leg of the AFCON Qualifier against Sudan. The new faces in the announced list comprised of Young Buffaloes goalkeeper Sibusiso ‘Baraba’ Mabuza and First Division League sides players in Red Lions striker Lungelo Tembe, Tambankulu Callies midfielder Sandile Hlatshwako and Midas Mbabane City midfielder Muzi Gwebu. The rest are RSSC United defender Sanele Chauke, Buffaloes midfielder Mphile Tsabedze and Mbabane Highlanders’ Thulani Sibisi.

In his remarks, Mlotsa said the final team of 18 players to face Sudan here at home next month will be announced on the last week of the camp ahead of the Sudan game. He said they expect all the players to be at the camp by next Monday and only the two internationals, Masina and Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze will join the team later as they were not sure when their teams will release them. Tsabedze is plying his trade at Cape Town based premiership side, Santos.

"We have incorporated youngsters particularly those playing for teams in the First Division with the senior players to assess them ahead of the game. They have been picked considering their current form at their teams. We believe that we will have enough time to prepare the team and as well assess the players ahead of this encounter," he said.

Is the NFAS really serious about the national pride. I am not convinced. Why are they recycling the players like this. We thought Yuki and company were past past due they sell by date and why bring them now? To cause confusion and in the process distabilizing the training because I am sure they donot have high regard for the coaches. They will bring ill-discipline at camp which will be a bad example to the young players who are still serious about playing for the national pride.
May 11, 2011, 8:00 AM, Sifiso Dlamini (sdz_fisodlamini@yahoo.com)

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