‘SIKHALI’ NOMINATED FOR TOP CAF AWARD

MBABANE – Goal-a-game Mbabane Swallows striker Sabelo ‘Sikali’ Ndzinisa is breaking new ground.

The recuperating goal machine is among the top 30 players shortlisted for the African Player of the Year based in Africa. The nominees for the African Player of the Year and African Player of the Year based in Africa 2017 topmost categories have been revealed.

The winner will be decided by votes from the Head Coaches/Technical Directors of the National Associations affiliated to CAF, members of the CAF Technical and Development Committee and a panel of Media Experts.

The Awards Gala will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2018 in Accra, Ghana.
‘Sikhali’, who is currently sidelined following a head operation, will be competing with the likes of South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns duo of striker Percy Tau and goalkeeper Dennis Onyango, Dean Furman of Supersport United and Tunisia’s Ali Maaloul of Al Ahly among other top players in the continent.

Nominees in the African Player of Year category include Ivorian Eric Baily, who plays for Manchester United, Liverpool duo of Mohammed Salah and Saido Mane from Senegal and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Gabon and German’s Borussia Dortmund. ‘Sikhali’ becomes the second local player in history to be nominated for the award after former Royal Leopard and Sihlangu captain Mxolisi ‘Stopper’ Mthethwa in 2011.

He sounded shocked when called for comment but dedicated his nomination to the nation as it was now for the country.

“It is good news for me and equally good news for the country. I’m happy with the recognition and hope more local players will get nominations in future,” Sikhali said.

Swallows General Manager Sandile ‘Beyond 2000’ Zwane said they were proud of the forward’s achievement.

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