Eswatini gears for under-23 AFCON

MBABANE-The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) reportedly named a 27-member preliminary squad for the U-23 Men’s National Team in preparation for their upcoming two-legged international fixture against Mauritius.

They will battle in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers. However, the EFA is yet to announce their squad with claims of being leaked circulating. EFA Marketing and Communications Manager Muzi ‘Rhoo’ Radebe said he was yet to receive the official squad from the coaches. “The squad will be announced next week. I am not aware of the one circulating around,” he said.

The provisional squad has purportedly been requested to assemble for camp today, with the delegation scheduled to depart for Mauritius on 31 July. Eswatini is set to contest the first leg on August 4, while the return leg will take place on August 8. The squad is formed by a blend of Premier League and MulaSport National First Division (NFD) players. Among notable names are reigning MTN Premier League Young Player of the Season in Mbabane Swallows forward Njongo ‘Jakalazi’ Mazibuko.

He is joined by Moneni Pirates duo of Bonkhe Masika and Sibonelo ‘Mzala’ Vilakati. Furthermore, Manzini Wanderers defender Muhle Siyaya and forward Malwande Gwebu.

Eswatini under-23 squad list:

1.Banele Mamba                  Ludzeludze Killers

2.Sinethemba Sibandze        Ludzeludze Killers

3.Nkosinathi Dlamini             Ludzeludze Killers

4.Gcina Nxumalo                    Masundvwini Royal Swallows

5.Mhlonishwa Kunene           Masundvwini Royal Swallows

6. Khayalethu Sacolo             Masundvwini Royal Swallows

7. Saneliso Dlamini                        Manzini Sea Birds

8. Njabulo Gama                     Young Buffaloes

 9.Muhle Siyaya                 Manzini Wanderers

 10.Malwande Gwebu        Manzini Wanderers

11.Junior Mtsetfwa          Manzini Sundowns

12.Cebolenkhosi Dlamini       Amawele

13.Sive Dlamini                                   Amawele

14.Ntsetselelo Mpanza           Amawele

 15.Sukulwenkhosi Sifundza Red Rhinos     

16.Mangaliso Mamba             Red Rhinos

17.Ncamiso Nkwanyana         Red Rhinos18. Sibonelo Vilakati           Moneni Pirates

19.Bonkhe Masika                       Moneni Pirates

20. Andile Awu                      Mankayane United

21. Siphosethu Hlatjwako   Sisonkhe

22. Mlungisi Magagula         Pigg’s Peak Professionals

23. Andile Gwebu                  Ezulwini United

24. Banele Simelane             Lozitha Spurs

25. Mfundo Kunene             Malanti Chiefs

26. Njongo Mazibuko          Mbabane Swallows

27. Andiswa Malaza            Royal Leopard