(At Bethel Court)
EZULWINI –Sihlangu players believe their historic European tour offers a priceless platform to showcase their talent, chase bigger moves and improve Eswatini’s global standing.
They said this through their Skipper Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhonto. He was speaking during the national team’s farewell function at Bethel Court on Monday morning ahead of the country’s first-ever match in Europe against Malta on Thursday, November 12.
Sihlangu will then travel to Holland for another international clash on November 15, although the identity of their next opponents is yet to be confirmed, according to Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Secretary General Frederick Mngomezulu.
The captain said the historic trip represented more than just two international fixtures, describing it as a valuable shop window for players hoping to attract attention beyond Eswatini’s borders.
“We express gratitude for this opportunity to be the first players to represent the national team in Europe. Looking at the squad selection and crop of international players, that exposure will come in handy in time of need.
“We will give the games our best shot since they provide an opportunity for us to market ourselves,” Mkhonto said.
For Sihlangu’s players, the Malta and Holland fixtures are therefore more than international friendlies. Strong performances could place Eswatini’s talent before a wider audience and potentially open doors to opportunities beyond the country’s borders.
Head Coach Dominic Kunene has finalised a 23-man squad and expressed confidence that his charges will deliver a strong performance abroad.
EFA President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane said the tour marked a step in the right direction as the association responds to His Majesty King Mswati III’s call for the national team to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and FIFA World Cup.
Simelane added that positive results, including victories or draws, could also help improve Sihlangu’s international ranking.
Türkiye-based forward Sithandiwe Mbuli headlines the call-up and could make his senior international debut. Mbuli plays for Narlıdere Belediye Spor in the regional amateur structures of İzmir Province and will join the squad in Johannesburg before the delegation flies via Dubai to Malta.
The squad features a strong Zimbabwe-based contingent, including defenders Newman ‘Strong’ Philiso of Agama and Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala of Scottland.
They are joined by the Hardrock FC quartet of Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini, Thubelihle Mavuso, Yekisizwe ‘Madumane’ Khumalo and forward Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane.
South Africa-based forward Justice ‘Figa’ Figareido of Chippa United also completes the international contingent following his Man of the Match display in a 2-0 victory over Stellenbosch.
Among the locally-based players are Simanga ‘Stina’ Masangane, Quality ‘Mashimeni’ Dlamini, Ayanda Kunene, Qiniso ‘Kati’ Nyawo and Thulani Jingana. EFA Vice President Nkosingiphile Shongwe will lead the delegation.
