South Africa's U-20 coach wary of Eswatini

ByNtombikayise Gwebu26 September 20251 Mins read47

L-R SA Captain Casey Gordon and head coach Maud Khumalo during the pre-match conference. (Pics: Ntombikayise Gwebu)

(At Somhlolo National Stadium)

LOBAMBA – South Africa’s Under-20 women’s football team Coach Maud Khumalo has warned her side to not underestimate Eswatini.

The two sides will meet in the first leg of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers at Somhlolo National Stadium today. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Khumalo admitted to being unfamiliar with the Eswatini squad but revealed she has studied their performance in the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Cup.

“The game will be tricky because I’m unfamiliar with this squad,” she said, before adding that she expects her players to be resilient and aggressive in their pursuit of a win.

Eswatini’s Coach Artwell Dludlu expressed confidence in his team. They have been in camp for two weeks. “The players are looking forward to the match as they have been working tirelessly,” he said.

The crucial second-round tie offers Eswatini a significant step towards a historic qualification for the tournament in Poland.

Basetsana as the SA under-20 women's national team are known to be training ahead of the match at Somhlolo National Stadium.

Football

Previous post A new dawn for Southern African Athletics

Next post Top athletes bag E6m scholarship

Don't Miss

News

Customary marriages declared in community of property

MBABANE – The High Court has declared the long-standing practice of treating marriages under Eswatini Law and Custom as being out of community...

ByKwanele Dlamini29 July 2026

His Majesty (2nd L) with Minister for Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe (2nd R)and Inyatsi Chairman Michelo Shakantu (R) during the tour of the completed road.

Property

Inyatsi Construction building foundations of First World future

For more than four decades, Eswatini has witnessed one of the most significant periods of infrastructure development in its history. Under the leadership...

ByMthobisi Buthelezi1 August 2026

The Trump Administration has maintained it has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans, noting that the State Department will continue to provide Americans with appropriate consular services and assistance at diplomatic posts around the world. (Pic: Google)

News

No more USA Visa processing in Eswatini

MBABANE – In a move that will significantly alter travel logistics for Eswatini nationals, the United States Embassy in Mbabane will cease accepting...

ByMfanukhona Nkambule1 August 2026