Figa, Mkhonto called up for Sihlangu

MBABANE - As preparations for the national team, Sihlangu, intensify, it has been revealed that two international players have received a call-up.

According to a reliable source, Botswana side Jwaneng Galaxy midfielder Mxolisi Mkhonto and Richard Bay’s Justice ‘Figa’ Figuareido have been selected to join the 27-man national team squad. “The only internationals who were chosen are Mxolisi and Figuareido, and I am wondering why Banele Ndzabandzaba and Lindo Mkhonta, who are regular players in their respective teams, were left out,” the source expressed.

Ndzabandzaba plays for Police XI in the Botswana top league and has played 19 games, scoring one goal. Lindo Mkhonta, a defender for Zesco United, recently scored and has also been a regular player for the Zambian top elite side.

Jwaneng’s Mkhonto has mostly played as a substitute and was even left out of the squad for the TotalEnergies Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League due to being cuptied. Figuareido, on the other hand, has been a regular player but often came on as a substitute.

Overlooked

Attempts to obtain comments from the overlooked players were unsuccessful as they did not respond to the messages sent to them. Meanwhile, Sihlangu Head Coach Dominic Kunene could not be reached immediately for comment on the latest development. Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi ‘Rhoo’ Rabede stated that he was not aware of the latest update, as he was not in the office.

He said the media would be informed about the Sihlangu squad during the media day. Sihlangu will face Somalia in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preliminary round qualifier on March 20 in Morocco, with the return leg scheduled for March 26 at Mbombela Stadium. The national team is currently in camp at Lobamba Technical Centre.