By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – The national team, Sihlangu Coach Dominic Kunene included three international players in the 26-member squad called up for the Angola, Mauritius games and the COSAFA Cup.
They are DStv Premiership side Richards Bay Justice Figuareido, Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy’s Mxolisi Mkhontfo and Zambia’s Zesco United Lindo Mkhontfo. Kunene announced the team on Thursday during a press conference held at Sigwaca House.
Meanwhile, Green Mamba players dominate the squad with seven players, followed by 2023/ 24 MTN Premier League Champions, Mbabane Swallows and Royal Leopard with five players.
The seven Green Mamba players are goalkeeper Colani Gama, Xolani Dlamini, Mxolisi Manana, Sibongakonkhe Silenge, Innocent Dlamini, Sabelo Ndzinisa and Mthunzi ‘Xavi’ Mkhontfo.
Mbabane Swallows include Ayanda Gadlela, who will be debuting in the national team, Leon Manyisa, Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini, Kwakhe Thwala, and Siphosethu Mabilisa, while Royal Leopard players are Ncamiso ‘Mbhonyo’ Dlamini, Mzwandile Mabelesa, Simanga Masangane, Sifiso Matse, and Junior Magagula.
Kunene said despite being out of work after his contract ended in March, he was a football person who always watched football games, so he had no challenge in selecting the squad.
Kunene was given the reigns by the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) to continue leading the national with Green Mamba Ernest Mavuso, Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane and Anthony Mdluli, while they are in the process of hiring a coach.
Sihlangu’s first assignment will be two 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers games being Angola on June 7 and Mauritius four days later. Sihlangu is in Group D of the qualifiers with Cameroon, Cape Verde and Libya.
EFA is yet to announce the start of the full time camp start.
The Full squad:
Goalkeepers:
- Ncamiso ‘Mbonyo’ Dlamini Royal Leopard
- Sibusiso Dlamini Nsingizini Hotspurs
- Colani Gama Green Mamba
Defenders: - Sibonelo Sibandze Young Buffaloes
- Xolani Dlamini Green Mamba
- Mxolisi Manana Green Mamba
- Siphosethu Mabilisa Mbabane Swallows
- Sibongakonkhe Silenge Green Mamba
- Sankelo Ginindza Illovo
- Mzwandile Mabelesa Royal Leopard
- Simanga Masangane Royal Leopard
- Lindo Mkhonta Zesco United (Zambia)
Midfilders: - Sifiso Matse Royal Leopard
- Kwakhe Thwala Mbabane Swallows
- Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini Mbabane Swallows
- Innocent Dlamini Green Mamba
- Bongwa Matsebula Young Buffaloes
- Thubelihle Mavuso Nsingizini Hotspurs
- Philani Mkhontfo Mbabane Highlanders
- Junior Magagula Royal Leopard
- Leon Manyisa Mbabane Swallows
- Mxolisi Mkhontfo Jwaneng Galaxy (Botswana)
Strikers: - Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa Green Mamba
- Ayanda Gadlela Mbabane Swallows
- Mthunzi Mkhontfo Green Mamba
- Justice Figuareido Richards Bay (South Africa)
