MBABANE – Nsingizini Hotspurs midfielder Quality Dlamini is reportedly in line for a Sihlangu return ahead of the Malta friendly.
Impeccable sources have informed the Times Sports Desk that Dlamini is expected to be included in the squad for the international assignment, with interim Head Coach Dominic Kunene understood to have opted to retain most of the players who featured in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers against Eritrea.
Dlamini’s recent performances have strengthened his case for a national team return, particularly after helping Nsingizini remain competitive in the MTN Premier League. He also scored against Mbabane Highlanders AM in a recent league encounter.
“It was felt that the nation would be disappointed if Quality was left out, considering how much he has improved his game,” said a source close to the developments.
The midfielder has also been linked with a possible move to Zimbabwean club Scottland FC, although his immediate focus is understood to be securing a place in the national team.
Reports suggest Eswatini exports headlined by Justice Figuareido, who is attached to South Africa’s Premiership outfit Chippa United, will also make the cut.
The Malta assignment will be Kunene’s first responsibility since his return to the Sihlangu technical bench as interim head coach. The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) confirmed his appointment on Friday, October 30, announcing that he would oversee the team during the November FIFA international match window.
Kunene will work alongside Caleb Ngwenya, who has been appointed assistant Coach. Siza Dlamini and Thokozani Mamba come in as goalkeeper and fitness coaches.
The EFA said the interim arrangement was necessary to allow preparations for the forthcoming international assignment to proceed while the association finalises the appointment of a substantive head coach.
The incoming coach has already been identified, with discussions reportedly centred on finalising compensation arrangements.
The Times understands that the EFA is engaged in ongoing discussions with a Moroccan coach, who is being considered for the permanent position. The proposed arrangement is reportedly linked to a memorandum of understanding between the EFA and the Moroccan football authorities.
Under the proposed agreement, the EFA would be responsible for providing the coach with accommodation and a vehicle, while the Moroccan Football Association would meet his remuneration. These details have not yet been officially confirmed by the EFA.
The substantive coach is expected to join the national team during the November international window and could travel with the delegation to Malta. The EFA has also indicated that the incoming coach will have the opportunity to interview other coaches and select those he wants to work with on his technical bench.
Sihlangu’s November assignment will be against Malta on November 12 at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 6:30pm. It will be the country’s first international friendly against a European nation.
The team will be seeking to restore confidence after a disappointing AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign in which they were eliminated by Eritrea 4-1 on aggregate.
In the first leg, played in Meknes, Morocco, on March 25, Sihlangu suffered a 2-0 defeat. Goalkeeper Mlamuli Makhanya saved a penalty, but Eritrea scored in the 81st minute before adding a second in stoppage time.
The return leg at Somhlolo National Stadium on March 31 also ended in a 2-1 defeat. Eritrea scored twice in the second half through Ali Suleiman before Justice Figareido netted a late consolation goal. The result saw Eritrea progress to the next qualifying phase with a 4-1 aggregate victory. The EFA is expected to announce the Malta squad today.
