Sihlangu one foot in group stages

EFA’s Marketing and Communications Officer

GOOD day dear reader. I hope you had a safe and joyful week. Speaking of a jubilant week, we celebrate the good results for the senior men’s national team Sihlangu SeMnikati. These results have enhanced the chances of the national team in qualifying for the next stage of the competition which are the group stages for the qualifiers. Out of the eight national teams that are competing in the TotalEnergies AFCON Qualifiers preliminary round, only four will join the 44 national teams for the draw of the group stage qualifiers to be conducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on a date yet to be confirmed.

The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) thanks the technical bench, players, and the public for these results. Football is a team sport thus; team work is important. Every football stakeholder has an important role to play when it comes to the success of the national team. Before Sihlangu left for Morocco, the coaches and the players promised good results and they delivered. It was not easy for them to do so as there is no easy match at international level and the pressure was upon them to at least bring some hope to this football loving nation in as far as the beautiful game is concerned. With all that have been said about the opposition during the build up of Wednesday’s match, they stood their ground when it mattered the most.

Felicitations

Congratulations to Sibonelo Sibandze and Thubelihle Mavuso for getting their first full caps on Wednesday. Indeed, they took this opportunity with both hands and the future is bright not only for them but the national team itself as the introduction of young players is a signal of continuity. It is also a motivation to the youngsters that with dedication, discipline, and determination, it is possible to play for the senior national team. They played a very crucial role on Wednesday’s victory. Well, done to Kwakhe Thwala for scoring his first goal for Sihlangu SeMnikati. We hope to see more and more of his dancing skills after scoring more goals. What a player? He used to play a defensive role but now he is a midfielder with an educated left foot. This youngster is maturing in every match he plays, be it club or national team football. He has a big heart and a lot is expected from him in as far as the national team is concerned. In a nutshell, all the players played very well and big up to the senior players in the national team for guiding the youngsters on and off the field as playing for the national team come with a lot of responsibilities.

Second leg match

The Wednesday’s match is now history and the focus is on Tuesday’s match against a wounded Somalian national team. Sihlangu needs to be cautious in this match as it will be a different game all together. The is no football match without mistakes thus the technical bench and the players have limited time to rest as the preparations for the next match day are already underway. It is not easy. The national team needs us the most come Tuesday. Even though it will be a working day, if you will not be able to be at the Mbombela Stadium; your prayers will be a huge support. If you are not committed at work, please be at Mbombela Stadium to support the national team. Tickets for this match are free and they are available at the Mbombela Stadium Ticket Office. Please remember that kick-off is at 3pm. Player number 12 is needed the most in as far as this match is concerned. The slogan Siyonqoba Simunye is still applicable as it is this spirit that will make us achieve the desired results. Kubo!

Till next week, football for all and safe life for all!

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