MBABANE – Eswatini’s Under-15 boys claimed two wins in their friendlies in Lesotho to boost preparations for the FIFA World Cup in Azerbaijan.
The young Sihlangu played four matches in Maseru on October 10 and 11. They lost the opener 5-1 at Setsoto Stadium on Friday before bouncing back with a 4-1 victory in the second encounter.
The series moved to Bambatha Sports Arena yesterday, where Eswatini drew 3-3 in the first match and sealed the tour with a 2-0 win in the finale.
Head coach Xolani Sigudla said his charges struggled with nerves initially, particularly those earning their first caps.
“The first match was challenging because some of the boys were experiencing international football for the first time. There was some fear initially, but towards the latter stages of the second half, the players started settling down and gaining confidence,” Sgudla said.
The coach said the friendlies were crucial for both World Cup preparations and long-term player development.
The results will encourage the technical bench as it fine-tunes the squad before the team departs for Azerbaijan from October 24 to 30, where Eswatini will make its maiden appearance at the global showpiece.
