‘Junior’, two others doubtful for Somalia clash
. . . ‘Sikhali’ confident of success against Somalia
Sihlangu might suffer a blow ahead of the 2025 AFCON qualifier against Somalia on March 20 in Morocco.
The nation’s pride might be without the trio of Junior Magagula, Simanga Masangane both from Royal Leopards and Green Mamba anchorman Innocent Dlamini.
The three players are currently nursing injuries ahead of the first leg encounter against the east africans due to injuries.
The players were training on the sidelines during the media day held on Friday at the Eswatini Football Association technical Centre in Lobamba on Friday.
Sihlangu and Mbabane Swallows Doctor Jabulani Dlamini confirmed the news quizzed about the squad’s causality ward.
“The three players are currently nursing injuries, and we are monitoring their situation closely together with the technical bench,” he said.
The Dominic Kunene led side is expected to leave the country on Sunday for the continental assignment.
The former Buffaloes mentor is set to drop five players from the current 26 men squad ahead of the trip to north Africa.
The return leg is scheduled to take place on March 26 at Mbombela Stadium.
The full Sihlangu tentative squad Goalkeepers
Khanyakwezwe Shabalala (Mbabane Highlanders F.C.), Sibusiso Dlamini (Nsingizini Hotspurs F.C.), Ncamiso Dlamini (Royal Leopards F.C.)
Defenders
Sibonelo Sibandze (Young Buffaloes F.C.), Xolani Dlamini (Green Mamba (F.C.), Mxolisi Manana (Green Mamba F.C.), Manqoba Maseko (Royal Leopard F.C.), Sibongakonkhe Silenge (Green Mamba F.C.), Gift Gamedze (Madlenya F.C.)
Midfielders
Nkosingiphile Shongwe (Nsingizini Hotspurs F.C.), Simanga Masangane (Royal Leopard F.C.0, Sifiso Matse (Royal Leopard F.C.), Kwakhe Tfwala (Mbabane Swallows F.C.), Mpendulo Tfomo (Mbabane Highlanders F.C.), Neliswa Dlamini (Mbabane Swallows F.C.), Bongiswa Dlamini (Young Buffaloes F.C.), Innocent Dlamini (Green Mamba F.C.)
Strikers
Bongwa Matsebula (Young Buffaloes F.C.), Sandile Gamedze (Young Buffaloes), Thubelihle Mavuso (Nsingizini Hotspurs F.C.), Muzi Tsabedze (Manzini Sea Birds F.C) Mthunzi Mkhontfo (Green Mamba F.C.), Ali Matse (Young Buffaloes F.C.), Junior Magagula (Royal Leopard F.C.), Ayanda Gadlela (Mbabane Swallows F.C.), Sabelo Ndzinisa (Green Mamba F.C.), Neliso Myeni (Nsingizini Hotspurs F.C.), Joseph Kibongi (Manzini Sea Birds F.C.)
SIHLANGU marksman Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa is confident that they will beat Somalia in the 2025 Preliminary round encounter.
The Green Mamba striker said this during the senior national team training session ahead of their trip to Morocco on Sunday.
“I am positive that we will beat Somalia due to the fighting spirit in the camp where every player is pushing to be in the starting XI. I will do my level best to score the important goals that will propel the squad to greater heights,” he said.
Meanwhile, newcomer and Young Buffaloes defender Sibonelo Sibandze said he was ready to fight for his place in the national team.
“I am grateful to be part of the national team and I am here to learn new things from the technical bench. I am looking forward to facing Somalia if I get a chance to be in the starting XI for both matches,” Sibandze said.