MBABANE– Under the Mediterranean lights tonight, Sihlangu will carry Eswatini’s colours into uncharted European territory, chasing history, opportunity and international recognition.
All eyes will fall on Sihlangu Semnikati when they face Malta at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium in a historic international friendly.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30pm Eswatini time today on November 12 as Sihlangu play their first-ever international fixture on European soil against a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) member state.
The national squad arrived in Malta on Tuesday afternoon via Dubai, ready to test themselves against opponents separated from them by just four places in the official International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) world rankings.
Even the price of admission tells a different football story. Supporters attending the match will pay about E184, compared with the maximum E60 usually charged for Premier League matches in Eswatini.
For Malta, the encounter is part of preparations for Monday’s decisive UEFA Nations League clash against Gibraltar. Head Coach Emilio De Leo has named a 28-player squad featuring overseas-based players, including Italy-based Kevin Cannavò, AS Saint-Étienne forward Irvin Cardona and FC Sion’s Ilyas Chouaref.
Sihlangu, meanwhile, arrive without experienced striker Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa, who has 78 international caps, and former skipper Lindo ‘Bhabhalazi’ Mkhonta, who boasts over 40 caps. The experienced duo were left out of the travelling contingent.
Coach Dominic Kunene has, however, finalised a 23-man squad led by skipper Philani ‘Mkasabuli’ Mkhonto. Türkiye-based forward Sithandiwe Mbuli headlines the travelling party and could make his senior debut.
The squad also includes Zimbabwe-based defenders Newman ‘Strong’ Philiso and Kwakhe ‘Stopper’ Thwala, while Hardrock contribute Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini, Thubelihle Mavuso, Yekisizwe ‘Madumane’ Khumalo and Sambulo ‘Masoso’ Simelane. Chippa United forward Justice ‘Figa’ Figareido is also in the group.
Mkhonto said the European tour represented more than international fixtures, describing it as a valuable shop window for players hoping to attract opportunities beyond Eswatini’s borders.
Sihlangu will travel to the Netherlands for another international clash on November 15, although their opponents are yet to be confirmed, according to EFA Secretary General Frederick Mngomezulu.
