We won’t underestimate Somalia – Dominic
Sihlangu head coach Dominic Kunene says they will not underestimate Somalia in the 2025 AFCON preliminary round encounter.
This was during the squad’s media day held on Friday ahead of the squad’s departure to Morocco on Sunday.
“We won’t underestimate the opposition despite their record and we will give it the respect it deserves. They have vastly improved compared to the previous match against them and we will do our level best to win the tie,” he said.
He further thanked the local premier league players for ensuring that all the players are in good fitness level ahead of the national assignment.
“We commend the good work that is being done by the different coaches in the country. This has made my job easier in the national team where every player is fighting for a place in the starting XI,” he said.
Kunene further confirmed he has only called up two international players in Mxolisi Mkhonto (Jwaneng Galaxy, Botswana) and Justice Figaredo (Richards Bay FC, South Africa).
“We have called up two internationals in Mxolisi and Justice for this match. We would like to thank the Eswatini Football Association for ensuring that the two players are available for this match,”
The ex-Young Buffaloes mentor left out Zesco United defender Lindo Mkhonta and Botswana Police XI midfielder Banele ‘Stiga’ Ndzabandzaba in his squad.
Mkhonto and Figaredo will join the rest of the squad on Sunday in Johannesburg en route to Morroco.
Kunene is now having two new assistant coaches Ernest Mavuso and Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane.
The new changes resulted in the deployment of Anthony Mdluli to the goalkeeper coach position previously occupied by Sipho ‘Shilton’ Dube. The changes further saw the engagement of Royal Leopards trainer Dennis Fakudze as physical trainer where he replaced Mbuso Gina.