Highlanders star ‘Rio’ AWOL
MBABANE – Mbabane Highlanders skilful midfielder Lindani ‘Rio’ Matsenjwa has not yet reported for pre-season training in the Bull’s kraal.
‘Inkunzi Emanyama’ returned to pre-season training last week Saturday at their training base in Ezulwini.
The team recorded an almost full house on their first day of training missing three of their players in versatile player Sabelo ‘Sawa’ Gamedze, Lindani ‘Rio’ Matsenjwa and youngster Sibonelo ‘Mane’ Lukhele.
The capital city giants head coach Enerst Mavuso said the players returned on Monday except for Matsentjwa who had not indicated when to return. “‘Rio’ didn’t come for training yesterday as we were expecting him to join the rest of the players for this morning (Monday) training. We don’t know his whereabouts as his phone was out of network coverage. Sawa and Mane were available today,” Mavuso said.
The coach, however, emphasised that the player was not available for now as he had not reported when he would be back to the team.
Mavuso also said he had invited three players from premier league teams to join them during
Monday’s training. “We had three players who joined us today (Monday) in training but I can’t reveal their names and teams, which they play for as this will jeopardise our plans,” he said.
The former Moneni Pirates coach further stated that once everything was sorted out about the three players, they would call a press conference to officially unveil the players as this was per the culture of the team.
Camp
The ‘Black Bull’is expected to depart for pre-season training camp in South Africa Pretoria, this morning. They will spend a one week long pre-season camp in the neighbouring country. Meanwhile, Mbabane Highlanders will kick start their 2021/22 MTN Premier League season campaign away to Young Buffaloes. The league is expected to start next month.
The army side is fresh from being eliminated from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Confederation Cup preliminary round by Zambia’s Red Arrows, while Highlanders started their pre-season training on Saturday.