LOBAMBA – Eswatini’s Under-15 national team are putting the final touches to their preparations for the inaugural FIFA World Cup and Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan.
The 14-member junior national squad will depart the country on Monday for the tournament, which will be staged from October 24-30, 2026.
The team held an open media training session at the Lobamba Technical Centre on Saturday, October 17, 2026, as they prepare to represent the country on the global stage.
Head Coach Xolani Sgudla said he was satisfied with their progress, revealing the squad has been together for the past two months and has grown in strength, confidence and cohesion.
“Preparations have been going well. The players we started with two months ago are still training and the team is stronger than ever. We have been fortunate that none of the players have suffered injuries,” Sgudla said.
He said international friendly matches against Mozambique and Lesotho were vital in exposing the youngsters to different styles of play and the demands of international football.
The matches also allowed the technical bench to assess the squad and identify areas requiring improvement ahead of the tournament.
Sgudla urged emaSwati to rally behind the team and follow their journey.
“We are confident in the preparations we have put in and the boys will go out there and work hard to achieve positive results. We ask the nation to support them as they carry the Eswatini flag on this important stage,” he said.
Captain Sisekelo Shongwe said unity would be key to their performance.
“As players, we are ready for any challenge in Azerbaijan. We are not going there as individuals, but as a united team. The unity in our squad will help us achieve positive results,” said Shongwe.
Vice-captain Daniel Kaye echoed his captain’s sentiments, reaffirming the players’ determination to give their all and appealing to Emaswati to stand firmly behind them.
