MBABANE – As preparations for Sihlangu Semnikati’s international friendly gather pace, the national team’s foreign-based contingent will touch down tomorrow, 8 November 2026, ahead of their departure for Europe.
The incoming players feature a strong Zimbabwe-based group including defenders Newman ‘Strong’ Philiso (Agama) and Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala (Scottland). Joining them is the Hardrock FC quartet of midfielders Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini, Thubelihle Mavuso, Yekisizwe ‘Madumane’ Khumalo, and forward Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane.
Philiso and Thwala were in action today for their respective clubs, while Simelane returns following a spell out through injury. Sources confirmed the Zimbabwe-based players will land tomorrow morning before joining the rest of the squad.
Headlining the call-up is Türkiye-based forward Sithandiwe Mbuli, who is in line for his senior debut. Mbuli plays for Narlıdere Belediye Spor in the regional amateur structures in İzmir Province. His inclusion aligns with the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs’ drive to track down emaSwati talent in the diaspora to strengthen national teams.
South Africa-based forward Justice ‘Figa’ Figareido (Chippa United) completes the international roster following his Man of the Match display in a 2-0 win over Stellenbosch.
Eswatini Football Association
EFA Marketing and Communications Manager Muzi ‘Rhoo’ Radebe confirmed the team leaves for Europe on Monday ahead of Thursday’s 6:30 pm kick-off in Malta.
Interim Head Coach Dominic Kunene named a 23-man squad that features key changes from the side that faced Eritrea in March. Notable omissions include Captain Lindo ‘Bhabhalazi’ Mkhonta and midfielder Junior ‘Shisa Gesi’ Magagula.
EFA CEO Frederick Mngomezulu explained that the delayed squad announcement was caused by mandatory travel logistics, including securing passports and visas, to ensure all selected players were fully cleared before public release.
Foreign-based call-ups:
• Kwakhe Thwala – Scottland (Zimbabwe)
• Newman Philiso – Agama (Zimbabwe)
• Yekisizwe Khumalo – Hardrock (Zimbabwe)
• Neliswa Dlamini – Hardrock (Zimbabwe)
• Thubelihle Mavuso – Hardrock (Zimbabwe)
• Sambulo Simelane – Hardrock (Zimbabwe)
• Justice Figareido – Chippa United (South Africa)
• Sithandiwe Mbuli – Narlıdere Belediye Spor (Türkiye)
• Technical Team: Dominic Kunene (Head Coach)
• Caleb Ngwenya (Assistant)
• Siza Dlamini (Physical Coach)
• Thokazani Mamba (Goalkeeper Coach).
