MBABANE – Netball Eswatini (NESWA) will enter a full-time training camp on November 2 to prepare for the Males Super Power Week tournament in Johannesburg, South Africa.
NESWA Secretary General Nkabinde Shabalala confirmed the final logistics for the campaign, which takes place in the period November 11-15 at the Wembley Indoor Arena.
Head Coach Jabulani Vilane has named a strong 15-player squad, as Eswatini look to build on their impressive international trajectory.
The 11-team showcase features a competitive field, including hosts South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Protea Warriors, the South Africa Under-23 side, South African Police Service, South African National Defence Force, Royal Bafokeng, University Sport South Africa, Department of Correctional Services and the SPAR Proteas.
Eswatini travel to Johannesburg intent on pushing their regional rivals all the way following a series of hard-fought encounters. At the Africa Netball Cup in Nairobi, Kenya, in September, Vilane’s men produced a heroic display at the Moi International Sports Centre before succumbing 49-45 in the final against three-time champions South Africa.
The silver medal marked an improvement on last year’s bronze, despite a tough group-stage start that included a 43-36 loss to the same opposition, shortly after a 41-32 friendly defeat earlier in the month.
South African tactician Vilane remains at the helm as Head Coach, supported by assistants Vimbumkhosi Ndlangamandla and Wandile Sithebe.
Dr Bongani Magagula has been appointed team medical practitioner, while Nhlanhla Ngcamphalala will oversee operations as team manager.
Eswatini squad:
Brandon Dlamini, Ndukwenhle Masangane, Thabo Maphosa, Fortune Dube, Fortune Neves, Sakhile Maseko, Thembinkosi ‘Lorch’ Matsebula, Zweli Mbatha, Sibusiso Shongwe, Sthabiso Mzileni, Mandisa Sihlongonyane, Simanga ‘Mgwaja’ Vilakati, Aidan Van Reenen, Mpendulo Mncina, Sphiwo Dlamini.
