ANTHONY DEFENDS OFF-FORM SANDANEZWE

MANZINI - Sihlangu coach Anthony Mdluli has jumped to the defence of goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela.

The lanky goalkeeper had a disastrous day in office after he failed to deal with crosses in the 1-2 loss to visiting Niger in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Mavuso Sports Centre yesterday. Mdluli felt the goalkeeper deserved a chance after manning the poles for the better part of the qualifying campaign. “Sanda has always been there and we want to develop him to be the country’s number one,” he said. The coach also defended his selection criteria and highlighted that there was progress in the team, as he stressed that he gave youngsters a chance and they would become future stars for the national side.

Justice Figareido was initially in the starting team, but he was eventually sidelined due to an injury. Meanwhile, Mdluli said only the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) could remove him from the hot seat after a section of the fans bayed for his blood after the match. “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion. The performance of the national team is a reflection of what happens at club level,” he said. Mdluli blamed the team’s performance on complacency after they had an early advantage. Visiting coach Francois Zahoui, on the other hand, was relieved his troops survived the early scare, highlighting that the opponents were not a bad side.

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