COACH DE JONGH WANTS LESOTHO/MOZ FRIENDLY

MBABANE – Never mind that the national team is in a very tough group for the AFCON Cup 2019 Qualifiers but preparations could begin with an international friendly against Lesotho or Mozambique.

At least this is what new Dutch coach Pieter De Jongh has proposed to the National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS). He wants one international friendly ahead of the tough away clash against Niger on June 6.

“I am done doing my programme for preparations and I’m now going to wait to hear from the NFAS Executive Board but it’s true that I want one international either against Lesotho or Mozambique. I’m not sure if they’ll be available but we need the game before flying to Niger,” he said.
De Jongh anticipates the friendly towards end of May and before a six-day camp in Big Bend as Niger has scorching temperatures that can reach over 40 degrees Celsius.

“After the six-day camp, we travel for the game. Training is to start on April 10 and I have picked 20 players who I’ll start with. These do not include Mbabane Swallows stars because they’ll be playing AC Leopards and I hope they do well,” he said.

De Jongh said the first training next Monday is to last five days if approved by the NFAS with the next one scheduled for May 1 to May 5, which is where the Swallows players will join in. He expects to have all the players again from May 14 to 20.

Sihlangu also have Egypt and Tunisia in the group, the latter also hosting the first leg on November 11 this year before the rest of the games in 2018. NFAS Media and Communications Officer Muzi Radebe, when reached for comment, said there was nothing much to tell at the moment.
“The executive is yet to meet and discuss issues regarding Sihlangu so I can’t comment about the programme. There’s just nothing for now,” he said.

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