MBABANE – As the crucial encounter against Eritrea approaches, the Sihlangu technical bench has been forced to make a late adjustment to their initial squad.
This follows the reported unavailability of Eswatini sturdy defender Newman ‘Strong’ Philiso, who currently plies his trade with Zimbabwe elite league rookies Agama FC. The right-back was reportedly omitted due to administrative issues, prompting the 11th-hour recall of Ezulwini United Captain Mpendulo Simelane.
Simelane, who had previously been dropped from the side, joined Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane’s troops as they departed the country two days ago. He joins a contingent of fresh faces, including Hleliso Gamedze, Malangeni Dlamini, Innocent Pakule and Qiniso Nyawo. This is an indication that Philiso’s absence had already been formally communicated to the local football governing body.
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) was also forced to abandon more economical travel routes due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. EFA Chief Executive Officer Frederick Mngomezulu confirmed that regional instability involving nations such as Iran necessitated a shift in travel plans, causing costs to spiral.
The 29-member delegation, led by Vusie ‘Mavura’ Hall, travelled by road to OR Tambo International Airport. There, they were joined by the squad’s foreign-based contingent: Kwakhe Thwala (Scottland, Zimbabwe), Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini (Hardrock FC, Zimbabwe), Alakhe Mdluli (AmaZulu reserve side, South Africa), Justice ‘Figa’ Figuareido (Chippa United, SA), and the newly-unveiled Thulani Jingana (Orbit College, SA).
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