Exams headache for U-20s
MBABANE – Some of the country’s national Under-20s stars are forced to juggle between final examinations and the national football assignment.
While Eswatini is hosting the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Under-20 Youth Championships from tomorrow, external examinations have also started in the country’s schools.
The Eswatini junior national football outfit would begin their journey against Botswana at Somhlolo National Stadium tomorrow at 3pm. Head
Coach Mduduzi ‘Sikhalo’ Nxumalo, revealed that an undisclosed number of players were writing their examinations and it was affecting their preparations.
Training
“We have a few challenges, as some players are writing their externals and they are key players. They will join us after their writing their morning paper,” he said after yesterday’s training session at Somhlolo National Stadium.
Despite the setback, Nxumalo assured that they were primed for the challenge but conceded there was always pressure even if they were not the hosts.
The tournament which doubles up, as the TOTALEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Under-20 Egypt 2023 qualifier is set to light up Eswatini from October 7-16.
Meanwhile, Eswatini will be seeking a first passage out of the group stages in 20 years at the regional championship and perhaps gain some confidence as hosts.
The only time Eswatini have managed the feat was in 2002 and it came via default as they lost 2-0 to Zimbabwe in the only game in Group B, which had been turned into a two-team pool by Madagascar’s withdrawal.