MBABANE – Young Buffaloes Ladies defensive midfielder Samkelisiwe Malinga has been crowned Player of the Month, earning a well-deserved E2 000 incentive, courtesy of sponsors Wanderville.
The award was officially presented last Saturday at Eqinisweni Sports Ground, as confirmed on the Eswatini Women Football Association (EWFA) official Facebook page.
Malinga’s outstanding performance has been pivotal in ensuring her side secures the top spot in the Eswatini National Football Women’s League after five games. The Amathole Ezinyathi Ladies team remain undefeated this season under head coach Fisiwe Hlophe.
Hlophe herself is renowned as one of Eswatini’s most prolific scorers, boasting a career total of over 80 goals scored in a single football calendar year across both the men’s and women’s games.
Malinga’s stellar form has also secured her a spot in the latest 24-woman Sitsebe provisional squad, called up by tactician Bongani Makhukhula.
The national side are scheduled to face Mozambique in a series of friendlies as part of their preparations for the 2025 Council of Southern Africa (COSAFA) Women’s Championship, which had been previously postponed. These preparatory matches are set for November 22, 23, 29 and 30.
Coach Makhukhula has selected players predominantly from the current high-performing teams in the log charts: Manzini Wanderers, Young Buffaloes, Nsingizini Hotspurs, Royal Leopard, AS Interladies and Green Mamba.
The squad is dominated by the defending league champions, who contribute eight players, followed closely by Nsingizini Hotspurs with seven. The national team players were expected to report for camp this past Monday.
Demonstrating versatility beyond her defensive duties, Malinga has also been clinical in front of goal, netting at least six goals already in this new season campaign.
Expressing her gratitude for the honour, Malinga stated: “The award motivates me to continue working hard. I should not then relax just because of winning.
“It is truly encouraging to know I was seen as one of the best players in this month.”
November Player of the Month Samkelisiwe Malinga all smiles after receiving her award. (Courtesy pic)