SIHLANGU CAN WALK OUT HEROES!

MBABANE – What an important day for Eswatini – football in particular!  It’s a day that stands to go down in history books and never be forgotten. Eswatini through to African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2020 Finals in Cameroon next January – that is the nation’s prayer for this afternoon when the national team Sihlangu Semnikati clash head on with Zambia for a spot among the 16 nations for the tournament.

It is possible and the coach Kostadin Papic has said repeatedly that he is working with a team he likes because it is his selection and believes in the players.
He believes the team can rewrite history and his players do as well as much as they know Zambia is a strong rival. Furthermore, Eswatini is trailing 0-1 from the first leg in Manzini at Mavuso Sports Centre last month.

Zambia have also been to this tournament three times before and reached the quarterfinal twice including last year and are out for a fourth one. They have not lost a match at the National Heroes Stadium but this afternoon, that can all change.
This is one time the nation has to come together, as it did yesterday for the national under-17s who were against Mozambique away in the Malawi-hosted COSAFA Men’s Under-17 Championships.

This is major for the country if it happens that Sihlangu turn the tables and walk out the heroes in just the right venue – Eswatini has never qualified for anything major before, not the Africa Cup of Nations nor the World Cup.

True, the CHAN tournament which is strictly for domestic players is in some ranks considered not so prestigious but it is the right stage for the players to win professional contracts with clubs from other countries. This day is also vital for the coach and the players as his contract renewal could depend on it.

He wants an improved contract but so far reports are that there is a deadlock and he has said he was ready to listen to offers if they come but all will be good to talk about after this result.

What he has made clear is that he wantsto make history with Eswatini as he believes the talent and potential is there.
It’s a final for both nations and Zambia’s Chipolopolo coach Aggrey Chiyangi has warned his side will be treating this as a whole new game and the score was 0-0, not counting their 1-nil away advantage.

He wants the job to be finished this afternoon then they can talk about having qualified.
Papic has said they were going out for ‘risky football’ which means they will go all out to attack and try to surprise Chipolopolo and take Sihlangu to Cameroon.

Who can turn on the heat?

Among the players out to fight for the country in foreign territory, there are those you can pick as the ones who can be the difference for Sihlangu.
These are players that the coach Papic will have to hope are in their best and ready to take responsibility to try and win this one for the nation. They did it against Malawi and Angola so the team can also look back at that record and believe even more today. Here are some of the names whose influence today can prove just the ticket to Cameroon;

Sabelo ‘Sawa’ Gamedze – The Mbabane Highlanders midfielder-cum-defender can do damage with his power, pace, skill and rocket shots at goal through his overlapping down the left flank.

Fanelo Tsabedze – The Royal Leopard midfielder is very crafty, has neat first touch and his final ball is near perfect. He is dangerous with through balls to set up his forwards and also has good technique which allows him to assist and score goals himself.

Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze - The Young Buffaloes’ mean attacking midfield machine is enjoying his football both in the squad and in his club. He has netted eight times already in six league games and is currently leading the scorer’s charts. He needs to exhibit that devastating form at the Heroes Stadium this afternoon and surely, a heroes’ welcome back home awaits them.

Fanelo ‘Order’ Mamba – Another gem from Young Buffaloes! The speedy winger signed from Moneni Pirates at the start of last season is a thorn to many a defender. This is his chance to shine today, use that pace and low crosses well and surely, Eswatini can have a long lasting smile by the end of 90 or so minutes.

Possible scenarios:
Eswatini wins 1-0; the game will be 1-all on aggregate which takes it straight to penalties.
If Eswatini wins 2-1, the aggregate score will be 2-all but Eswatini advances on away goal rule as they would have scored two as opposed one by Zambia in Manzini.

If Zambia scores two, Eswatini will need three to advance on away goal rule.

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