MBABANE – Fresh from demolishing SAPS 97-14, Eswatini’s men’s national netball team return to court today seeking another commanding victory against SANDF in Johannesburg.
The clash is scheduled for 1pm today, November 13, at the Wembley Indoor Arena as the Males Super Power Week tournament continues.
Eswatini produced a ruthless response yesterday after suffering a narrow 47-42 defeat to the South Africa Under-23 side in their opening Pool Yellow encounter on Wednesday, November 11.
Fresh from making history by securing a silver medal at the Africa Netball Cup, the 15-player squad showed their attacking firepower against SAPS, racing into a 25-4 first-quarter lead.
They extended their advantage to 46-7 at half-time before maintaining their dominance after the break. Eswatini led 69-10 at the end of the third quarter before eventually completing a resounding 97-14 victory.
That emphatic performance will give the local side confidence as they prepare to face the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), who opened their campaign with a 49-40 defeat to Namibia.
The starting seven for today’s encounter is yet to be confirmed, though several players who featured prominently against SAPS remain in contention for selection.
Possible options include Brandon Dlamini, Ndukwenhle Masangane, Sphiwo Dlamini, Mandisa Sihlongonyane, Thembinkosi ‘Lorch’ Matsebula, captain Fortune Neves and Sakhile Maseko.
The technical team also has further options in Thabo Maphosa, Simanga Vilakati, Mpendulo Mncina, Zwelakhe Mbatha and Sibusiso Shongwe, all of whom featured during yesterday’s commanding victory.
With the squad demonstrating its depth against SAPS, Eswatini have several combinations to choose from as they look to secure their second victory of the tournament and build momentum ahead of their remaining fixture against Namibia.
Today’s encounter against SANDF presents another opportunity for Eswatini to display the quality that recently carried the national side to a historic Africa Netball Cup silver medal.
The tournament runs from November 11 to 15 at the Wembley Indoor Arena in Johannesburg.
FIXTURE
Playing Today
Eswatini vs SANDF 1pm
RESULTS
Played on Thursday
SAPS 14-97 Eswatini
Namibia 49-40 SANDF
Played on Wednesday
South Africa Under-23 47-42 Eswatini
