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N impressive showing in the group stages of the ongoing Hollywoodbets-sponsored Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Cup has given the nation a reason to believe in the national football outfit again.
On top of rare clean sheets, Sihlangu are proving to be ‘trigger-happy’, which is a welcome change. Without sounding like a party pooper, there is nothing extraordinary about reaching the quarterfinals of the COSAFA Cup.
In fact, it is unacceptable for Sihlangu to fail to reach this stage.
Although the COSAFA Cup remains the biggest regional competition under all zones governed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the competition is still to receive the kind of recognition it needs from FIFA and the continental body. It has continued to be played outside of the two bodies’ calendars. However, the competition matches are classed as ‘A’ internationals by FIFA. This, therefore, has counted towards ranking points and gives the nations the opportunity to shoot up the global list.
Survived
Having survived the tough group matches, Sihlangu prepare for their toughest test of the 2022 edition. This is none other than Senegal, they are back as a guest nation in the regional soccer showpiece after winning silver in the past year. The clash will be played tomorrow in Durban.
The ‘Lions of Teranga’ need no introduction, as they are among the powerhouses in Africa. They are deservedly and currently ranked as the top team in the continent, after lifting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title for the first time in Cameroon earlier this year.
The West Africans are one of the pre-seeded teams alongside South Africa, Zambia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia and Senegal in the quarterfinals.
Senegal will be minus most of their celebrated stars that includes Bayern
THE return of the Bible Cup later this month is just what the doctor ordered in a bid to keep the teams active after a sponsorship drought in the past season.
Four teams in Mbabane Highlanders and Moneni Pirates as well as Manzini Wanderers and Manzini Sundowns, will feature in the E300 000-sponsored tournament on July 30.
This is the same date Sundowns and Wanderers have proposed the gender-based violence (GBV) awareness game which was launched about a fortnight ago.
The dates clash should be sorted
Munich mega signing in former Liverpool superstar Sadio Mane. However, with all the glamour around Senegal, the mere mentioning of their name still sends shivers down the spines of many teams. The match-up between Sihlangu and Africa’s best side is the repeat of the past year’s meeting in the semifinals. Senegal came from behind to force a two-all draw before winning 3-0 during the shoot-out. As a result, Sihlangu, who have conceded one goal so far, will have their flawless record ‘in the firing line.’
Despite what can be dubbed as a tough test, the expectations from the nation will remain high. Sihlangu need no motivation for this showdown. Meeting the so-called fresh opponents, who are playing their first game in the tournament, cannot be an excuse
for defeat.
It will be folly to concentrate on the group stages success and ignore the elephant in room. Most pundits have come to question the team’s selection at times. It remains a mystery, as to why marksman and the MTN Premier League 2021/22 top goalscorer Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze with 26 goals still has not broken into the starting XI. Never mind that when he eventually started a game in the decider against Lesotho, he delivered a man of the match performance with a goal and an assist.
There is also a tendency to field more defensive midfielders, when we play against a so-called tough opposition and end up not winning the games. After all has been said and done, we will give the Dominic Kunene-led technical bench a benefit of the doubt. Scott Belsky once said, “When 99 per cent of people doubt your idea, you’re either gravely wrong or about to make history.”
Credit should be given to the likes of goal-per-game forward Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa, who is currently leading the 2021 COSAFA Cup scorers’ charts with three goals as well grafter Mzwandile Mabelesa and the duo of Philani Mkhontfo and Sifiso Matse for putting their best feet forward to ensure they propel the national outfit to the top.
Underperformance
There are so many reasons why underperformance is unacceptable for Sihlangu in the COSAFA Cup. Firstly, most of the teams have brought their ‘B’ squads. This should give Sihlangu an edge. With both the African Nations Champions and AFCON qualifiers lined up soon, Eswatini cannot talk of qualifying for Africa’s football flagship event if they cannot reach the semifinals, or even the finals of the COSAFA Cup. It could be tantamount to sitting for a university examination when you have failed Standard Five or Grade VII.
Having assembled what looks like a formidable side, rejoicing for anything other than reaching the final of the COSAFA Cup can mean one thing – celebrating mediocrity.
As Sihlangu begin their journey in the quarterfinals tomorrow, Eric Thomas’ quote which says, “The only way to get out of mediocrity is to keep shooting for excellence,” should ring louder in the national team players’ ears.