MBABANE-South African tactician Jabulani Vilane has finalised his squad for the biggest stage in African netball.
The countdown to Nairobi is gathering pace, with even the fixtures confirmed for the Africa Netball Cup 2026 and Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Qualifier Africa, taking place from September 19-26, 2026 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Vilane has named a strong side headlined by goalshooters Brandon Dlamini and Nduku Masangane. They are joined by captain and goal defender Fortune Neves. Mid-court boasts players such d Mandisa Sihlongonyane and Simanga ‘Mgwaja’ Vilakati. The squad is dominated by Green Lightning and Royal Flames troops. Netball Eswatini Secretary General (SG) Nkabinde Shabalala will lead this delegation. Meanwhile, Vilane will be assisted by Wandile Sithole while Nhlanhla Ngcamphalala is the Team Manager. Bongani Magagula completes the list of officials as a team doctor. Shabalala confirmed the latest developments yesterday.
Eight days of international netball will bring together some of the continent’s strongest women’s and men’s teams, with continental honours on the line and the road to Sydney 2027 adding even more weight to the women’s competition.
The women’s draw has been divided into two pools. Pool one features South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Tanzania, while the other grouping brings together Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, hosts Kenya and Nigeria.
South Africa and Uganda have already booked their places at the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027, leaving the remaining eligible nations with everything to play for as Africa’s next two representatives are decided in Nairobi.
The men’s Africa Netball Cup will see South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and Eswatini compete in a round-robin format before the final standings and play-offs are decided.
There will be little time for teams to settle. Opening day immediately brings Tanzania up against South Africa in the women’s competition, while hosts Kenya face Nigeria later in the evening. On the men’s side, Kenya meet Uganda before South Africa open their campaign against Eswatini. These two recently met in a fiercely-contested clash to prepare for this competition, which saw the Eswatini side suffer a defeat.
Pool Fixtures
Saturday, 19 September 19, 2026
Kenya vs Uganda (men) 7am
South Africa vs Eswatini (men) 9am
Tanzania vs South Africa (Ladies 1) 11am
Malawi vs Zambia (Ladies 2) 1pm
Botswana vs Zimbabwe (Ladies 1) 3pm
Kenya vs Nigeria (Ladies 2) 7pm
ESWATINI TRAVELLING SQUAD
1. Thembeka Dlamini
2. Nduku Masangane
3. Brandon Dlamini
4. Sphiwo Dlamini
5. Simanga Vilakati
6. Thembinkosi Matsebula
7. Fortune Neves
8. Sthabiso Mzileni
9. Sakhile Maseko
10. Mandisa Sihlongonyane
11. Mpendulo Mncina
12. Thabo Maphosa
*TEAM OFFICIALS*
1.Head Of Delegation: Nkabinde Shabalala
2.Team Manager: Nhlanhla Ngcampalala
3.Head Coach: Jabulani Vilane
4.Assistant Coach: Wandile Sithole
5.Team Doctor: Bongani Magagula
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