By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – All is not lost for the five national team, Sihlangu players that were dropped from the squad that travelled to play against Angola and Mauritius in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
The players are still to be part of the team that will join the squad when it travels to South Africa late this month or early July to the Council of Southern African Football Association (COSAFA) Senior Challenge.
The five players who were left behind for the two games include Mbabane Swallows duo of Leon Manyisa, Ayanda Gadlela, Green Mamba’s goalkeeper Colani Gama, Xolani Dlamini and Illovo’s Samkelo Ginindza.
International player, South Africa’s Richards Bay forward Justice Figuareido is also expected to join the team for the COSAFA Cup. The former Denver Sundowns player was excused from the squad due to his team’s engagement in the South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) play-offs.
Sihlangu Coach Dominic Kunene travelled with 20 players from the 26 he called up for camp a fortnight ago. The squad will play two games starting on Friday against Angola before travelling to Mauritius for the match to be played on Tuesday.
COSAFA is yet to confirm the dates of the annual tournament. According to a statement they released on Tuesday, the tournament would be played either in June or July.
“The Southern African championship is crucial for the development of teams, players and coaches, and we want to make sure they are able to derive maximum benefit from it.
The new dates will be in June or July of this year and will be based on the best possible exposure for all stakeholders to ensure a world-class competition that helps take football in the region forward,” reads the statement.
