(At Bethel Court)
EZULWINI – Another European test awaits Sihlangu.
The Netherlands assignment, scheduled for November 15, will follow the national team’s historic first European encounter against Malta on Thursday. However, the identity of their opponents is yet to be confirmed, according to Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Secretary General Frederick Mngomezulu.
Speaking during the team’s farewell function at Bethel Court yesterday, Mngomezulu revealed the financial considerations involved in arranging international friendlies. The trips are expected to cost over a million Emalangeni.
“The issue of money is not there. If we had enough resources, it would be easy to travel wherever for friendlies since they are part and parcel of football development,” he said.
Netherlands, commonly referred to as Holland, is a sovereign country comprising 12 provinces, with Amsterdam and Rotterdam among its major cities. It is also home to some of the world’s renowned footballers, including Liverpool duo Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo, Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong and Corinthians forward Memphis Depay.
The Dutch are scheduled to face Greece in the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Nations League this Friday. EFA President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane said the international assignments were aligned with His Majesty King Mswati III’s ambition of seeing Sihlangu qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and World Cup.
“We looked at quality when selecting the national team and coach. We considered the magnitude of these games. It is historic. The King dreams of watching Sihlangu compete in AFCON and these friendlies are a step in the correct direction towards fulfilling it,” Simelane said.
He added that positive results could improve Eswatini’s international ranking, while giving players exposure.
Sihlangu new Captain Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhonto said the European tour would give players an opportunity to attract interest from clubs beyond Eswatini. Sihlangu are now counted among some of Africa’s countries to face overseas sides in friendly matches. Last month, Benin battled against Argentina during the international break.
“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.
Interim tactician Dominic Kunene has finalised a 23-man squad and expressed confidence in his players’ ability to compete abroad.
“Looking at the leagues our players compete in, it gives the technical team confidence that Sihlangu would compete against Malta. We call upon the nation to rally behind us as we take this trip,” Kunene said.
Türkiye-based forward Sithandiwe Mbuli headlines the squad and could make his senior international debut. He plays for Narlıdere Belediye Spor in the regional amateur structures of İzmir Province.
The Zimbabwe-based contingent includes defenders Newman ‘Strong’ Philiso of Agama and Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala of Scottland, alongside Hardrock FC quartet Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini, Thubelihle Mavuso, Yekisizwe ‘Madumane’ Khumalo and forward Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane.
South Africa-based forward Justice ‘Figa’ Figareido of Chippa United completes the international contingent.
Locally-based players include Simanga ‘Stina’ Masangane, Ayanda Kunene, Qiniso ‘Kati’ Nyawo and Thulani Jingana. EFA Vice President Nkosingiphile Shongwe will lead the delegation.
