MBABANE – Eswatini senior men’s national rugby side, Sizeze, have named a 29-man squad to compete in the second edition of the BOLESWA Tri-Nations Rugby Cup.
This year’s edition will kick-off this Saturday, October 24 at the Prince of Wales Sports Ground in the capital city of Eswatini.
The regional showpiece brings together host nation Eswatini, Botswana and Lesotho for a week of international rugby battles.
The Eswatini Rugby Union (ERU) has today announced the squad selection, opting for a strong blend of power and speed made up of 17 forwards and 12 backs.
The team will be captained by forward Mcebo Ngwenya as Sizeze aim to make a strong showing on home soil.
Sizeze face a stern opening test on Saturday when they lock horns with defending champions Likatola of Lesotho. The mountain kingdom side won top honours in last year’s tournament, which Botswana missed out on, after defeating Eswatini 37–12.
Following their opener, Eswatini will have a week to recharge before closing their campaign against Botswana on Saturday, October 31. Meanwhile, the midweek game between Lesotho and Botswana on Wednesday, October 28 will form part of the Mbabane Day Celebrations.
Sizeze Squad:
Forwards: Phiwayinkhosi Mabuza, Kwamie Bediako, Mphumelelo Mndzebele, Phasika Lwazi Dlamini, Mkhuleko Dlakubi, Mcebo Bulelwa Ngwenya (C), Phinda Sikonela, Nathan Fort, Mngobi Mthunzi, Mcondisi Shongwe, Mpendulo Mafionsi, Mancoba Dlakubi, Mncedisi Dlakubi, Olwethu Mourdent, Seluleko Tsabedze, Jafar Dlamini, Mayibongwe Dlamini.
Backs: Phephisa Mabuza, James Howe, Mangaliso Maseko, Wandile Magwaza, Ayanda Ngwenya, Mancoba Khaya Dlamini, Memory Hlatshwayo, Thando Dlamini, Samkeliso Magagula, Machawe Dlamini, Wenzi Mbhamali, Mancoba C. Dlamini.
Tournament fixtures:
Saturday, October 24: Eswatini vs Lesotho (2pm)
Wednesday, October 28: Lesotho vs Botswana (2pm)
Saturday, October 31: Eswatini vs Botswana (2pm)
