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MBABANE – The EFA has reportedly splashed nearly E30 000 as part of repercussions after catering for the travel of suspended captain Lindo ‘Bhabhalazi’ Mkhonta to Cape Verde.
Impeccable sources confirmed that E1.5 million was used to cater for the accommodation and air travel of the 20-man squad. The nation’s pride is said to have travelled from Oliver Tambo (OR) Tambo International Airport and made a stop in Dubai and Morocco before reaching their final destination.
Their arrival in Cape Verde was reportedly delayed due to mechanical issues on Friday, forcing them to spend the night in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and eventually landing in Praia, Cape Verde on Sunday.
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Marketing and Communications Officer (EFA) Muzi ‘Rhoo’ Radebe neither confirmed nor denied the figures.
“I can neither confirm nor deny these finances. Normally, we get accurate figures from reports presented after the trips and included as part of the activity report at the end of each year,” he said.
Sihlangu were dealt a severe blow ahead of their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match. Influential defender Mkhonta was confirmed as suspended.
The full-back, a powerful presence in the side, was unavailable for selection against Cape Verde’s Blue Sharks after accumulating two yellow cards in the qualifying campaign.
His first caution came just shy of the 50-minute mark in Eswatini’s disappointing 1-2 defeat to Mauritius on June 11, 2024, when the national team was still managed by now-Young Buffaloes tactician Dominic Kunene.
Mkhonta was then booked again nine minutes past the hour-mark during the 2-2 home draw with Angola at Somhlolo National Stadium this past Wednesday. In that match, Sihlangu surrendered a two-goal lead in front of several dignitaries.
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) through the Confederation of African Football (CAF) formally notified the local football governing body that Mkhonta must miss the upcoming fixture due to the caution rule. The EFA was also quizzed with regards to when they realised that the right-footed star would not play.
Full article available in our publication.
Suspended Sihlangu captain Lindo ‘Bhabhalazi’ Mkhonta. (Pic: File)