MBABANE-Sihlangu will look to cap their historic European tour with another memorable performance when they face unfamiliar South American opponents Suriname in the Netherlands this evening.
Fresh from Thursday night’s historic 1-all draw against Malta, Eswatini now turn their attention to a different challenge altogether as they prepare to face the 128th-ranked Suriname.
The international friendly will kick off at 7pm local time today on November 15 at the 6 500-seater Stadion De Vliert in’s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands.
Sihlangu arrived in Dutch territory late on Friday via Germany after their encounter with Malta, which marked Eswatini’s first-ever match on European soil.
Tonight’s fixture presents another significant test for Head Coach Dominic Kunene’s side, with Suriname sitting 36 places above Eswatini, who are ranked 164th in the latest FIFA rankings.
The South American side boasts several players based at European clubs. Their attacking options include West Ham United striker Joël Piroe, whose reported Transfermarkt value stands at €10 million, approximately E186.8 million.
Other options include FSV Mainz 05 attacker Sheraldo Becker, while their midfield features HSV Hamburg’s Immanuel Pherai and Dynamo Kyiv’s Justin Lonwijk.
Suriname’s defensive options include captain Myenty Abena of Gaziantep, Al-Kholood’s Shaquille Pinas, Venezia’s Ridgeciano Haps and FC Utrecht’s Neville Nwankwo.
Sihlangu will, however, have to adjust following the absence of Gift ‘Jobe’ Gamedze, who was sent off just 29 minutes into the Malta match.
His absence could create an opportunity for Nkosinathi ‘Stina’ Shongwe, while Türkiye-based striker Sithandiwe Mbuli, Malangeni Dlamini and Quality ‘Mashimeni’ Dlamini could also earn game time as Kunene considers changes to his starting line-up.
Meanwhile, Qiniso ‘Kati’ Nyawo could rest goalkeeper Sibusiso ‘Baraba’ Dlamini, with changes potentially extending to the goalkeeping department as Sihlangu prepare for their second and final match of the European tour.
Eswatini also boast players with reported market values, led by Chippa United attacker Justice ‘Figa’ Figareido, who is valued at nearly E8 million. Left-back Thulani Jingana follows at about E2 million.
Captain Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhonto and defender Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala are valued at around E1.5 million each, while midfielders Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini and Simanga ‘Stina’ Masangane are listed at approximately E1 million each. Kunene also boasts other international players such as Newman ‘Strong’ Philiso, Thubelihle Mavuso, Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane and Yekisizwe ‘Madumane’ Khumalo.
Suriname also come into the match following Thursday’s action, having played to a goalless draw against Lithuania in an international friendly in Kaunas.
