‘BULL’ TRIO, 4 OTHERS DROPPED

LOBAMBA – Mbabane Highlanders’ trio of defender Vusi Vilakati, goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala and midfielder Menzi Sithole have missed out on a trip to Malawi with Sihlangu.

They are among eight players who are not part of the 20-member squad destined to Malawi to honour the African Nations Championships (CHAN) second leg qualifier in Blantyre tomorrow. 

Leon Manyisa of Vovovo, Lindani ‘Rio’ Matsenjwa from Young Buffaloes and the likes of Sibonginkosi Dlamini, Wandile Nhleko, Phinda ‘Phindrix’ Dlamini of Manzini Sundowns, Manzini Sea Birds and Green Mamba, respectively, could also not make the cut.
Head coach Kostadin Papic trimmed the squad ahead of the trip yesterday and shared the final list with the media at the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Technical Centre in Lobamba.

conceded

Addressing the media yesterday, Papic conceded it would not be easy to grind a win on the road, but stressed that making the nation proud remained top priority.

“We had to adjust our training games due to league midweek games, but that won’t be an excuse.
“The team looks fresher now,” he said.
Papic said a lot was stake as the 143rd world rank also needed to be improved.

“We made a few changes from the squad that played in the 0-0 draw at home.
“However, there is still room for other players and they will be considered in upcoming tournaments,” he said.

victorious

Late yesterday the Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Minister Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga, made a stop at the Technical Centre to bid farewell to the team. In his prepared speech, he stressed on the need to come back home victorious.

“As we continue to improve, I also hope we will be able to turn these inspiring performances into positive results. Playing away in Malawi will not be easy but I also hope you know just how hungry we all are for the success of our beloved national team.

Wish

“His Majesty King Mswati III has spoken passionately in the past about his wish to see Sihlangu in leading tournaments. Therefore, your duty is to make His Majesty’s dream and that of the entire nation a reality,” said the minister.
Sihlangu left last night to connect a flight in Johannesburg this morning at 10am. They will reportedly leave Johannesburg in groups, as the first flight will accommodate 10 members of the delegation. The rest will follow afterwards, but are expected in Malawi by tomorrow morning.

The leader of the delegation is executive member, former Member of Parliament Sikhumbuzo Dlamini. The delegation is made up of 10 officials.
A draw by a goal or more during the game to be played at 3pm will be enough to reach the next round to face Angola.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: