MBABANE – Government will recruit players from the diaspora to improve the performance of national teams, including Sihlangu.
Had this initiative been implemented earlier, the country would have benefitted from top-tier talent that went on to represent South Africa instead. Notable players with local heritage include Bafana Bafana 2010 World Cup star Bongani Khumalo, who captained both the South African national team and SuperSport United alongside a stint with Tottenham Hotspur in England. Another high-profile star with Eswatini roots is former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana defender Patrick Phungwayo.
The strategy to secure such players is detailed in the Report of the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Portfolio Committee on the debate of the ministry’s First Quarter Performance for the Financial Year 2026/27.
The move follows concerns raised by Ndzingeni Member of Parliament (MP) Gcina ‘Singalwi’ Magagula over the performance of the national teams and the level of support provided to the squads, which he said had resulted in unsatisfactory results. In response, the minister acknowledged that the national teams’ programme is extensive and requires substantial investment and scientific interventions.
“Efforts are being made to integrate scientific methods into the preparation of the national teams, including the identification of international players in the diaspora, where many of the top-performing countries in Africa have found success,” reads part of the report.
The report stated that players who perform successfully in international competitions are produced through high-performance training systems, which are normally found in European countries.
“This is the trend followed by successful countries,” the response reads.
Recent scouting developments have already unearthed Thulani Jingane, who was playing for former South African Betway Premiership side Orbit College. Other players who have been roped in to boost Sihlangu’s performance include AmaZulu’s Alakhe Mdluli and Tommy Morgan, who has been attached to Spain’s Malaga City Academy. Morgan has also been with Kidderminster Harriers in England.
Meanwhile, former Sihlangu Semnikati coach Zdravko Logarusic has urged Eswatini to take a leaf from Cape Verde’s impressive showing at the FIFA World Cup.
Cape Verde did not only make history by qualifying for their maiden FIFA World Cup, but also made their presence felt on the global stage. The Islanders proved to be a tough nut to crack, advancing beyond the group stage at the tournament. Their campaign was headlined by a heroic goalless draw against reigning champions Spain, although they were knocked out by runners-up Argentina in the last 32.
The Croatian tactician said Cape Verde’s performance could serve as a useful benchmark for Eswatini as the kingdom continues to chase a maiden qualification to major international tournaments such as the World Cup. He noted that the gallant display by the small nation shows they have built a strong backbone, focusing not only on short-term success, but on long-term development as well.
“It is the little things and consistent things that make a difference in the long term. Cape Verde were intentional with what they are doing in terms of football structures and the streamlining of the league, so you have quality players that will be competitive,” he said.
Cape Verde’s success thrives on scouting talent in the diaspora. However, Eswatini has also exported a number of players who may in future impact the performance of the national team. Other African nations that have successfully built competitive national teams by tapping into diaspora talent include Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, Ghana and Tunisia.
