Uar† a‰ais– uŠeal–Š› Ǯ…a’sǯ Ȃ iis–er
MBABANE – The Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga urged national team Skipper Lindokuhle Mkhonta to guard against divisions and unhealthy camps among the players.
He said this when addressing the national team Sihlangu during the farewell function held at Lobamba Technical Centre this past Tuesday.
Bulunga, who is a former Sihlangu coach, said the divisions would not help anyone and instead, would only lead to one outcome - failure.
He said the nation was sending the players as one and was expecting a united showing. He also congratulated the players, technical team and support staff who were selected to form part of the squad that would be representing the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The minister said such assignments were hardly about individuals but collective gain. He continued to say that it was on such platforms that the players could build a solid foundation to compete well not just in the upcoming assignments, but the entire AFCON 2023 qualifying campaign.
Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga addressing the national team, while EFA President Peter Simelane looks on before their departure on Tuesday.
“I would to take this moment now to urge the entire nation to rally behind our Sihlangu as our boys begin this challenging but equally double qualifying campaign. These qualifiers aside, 2022 promises to be a very busy year for Sihlangu with the
CHAN Qualifiers soon coming as well as the COSAFA Cup,” he said.
Surviving
The minister said the team had no chance of surviving such gruelling period without the unwavering support of the nation. “It is true that in recent weeks, a lot has happened that has eroded the nation’s trust in football structures and by extension, Sihlangu.
“We are pleased to share with the nation that the Ministry was able to bring the relevant stakeholders together last week and a lasting solution was found and we all further reaffirmed our commitment to working together for the good of our football,” Bulunga said.
He then urged the nation to put behind the unfortunate events of the past week and throw full weight behind the team.