ZESCO’S MKHONTA IN, KHANYA, SANDA OUT!
Lindo makes return while there is no place for top goalkeepers
MBABANE – Eswatini export Lindo Mkhonta has made a return to the national team after an absence since July of last year.
Interim Coach Dominic Kunene announced a 26-man squad for both the World Cup Qualifiers and the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Senior Challenge during a media briefing at Sigwaca House. The meeting was also attended by Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Marketing and Communications Officer, Muzi ‘Rhoo’ Radebe. The games will be played next month.
Mkhonta’s last appearance for the national side was in the COSAFA Cup in Durban. The 26-man squad for the camp includes three internationals. Sihlangu’s busy schedule begins with a trip to Angola for the June 7 International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) World Cup Qualifiers.
Notably, the former national team captain, who plays for giants ZESCO United in Zambia, is among the additions, alongside Jwaneng Galaxy’s Mxolisi Mkhontfo and Richards Bay’s Justice Figuareido.
Kunene has also made some notable changes to the squad, dropping Mbabane Highlanders’ first-choice goalkeeper, Khanyakwezwe ‘Bhiya’Shabalala, in favour of Nsingizini’s Sibusiso ‘Bharaba’ Dlamini, Green Mamba’s Colani Gama, and Royal Leopard’s Ncamiso ‘Mbhonyo’ Dlamini. Mbabane Swallows shot-stopper Sandanezwe Mathabela also did not make the cut.
Returned
In addition, Philani Mkhontfo of Mbabane Highlanders and Mbabane Swallows’ Leon Manyisa have returned to the national team, replacing Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze and Sizolwethu ‘Nunu’ Shabalala, who did not receive a call-up for the upcoming games against Angola and Mauritius.
Royal Leopard’s Junior Magagula also makes a return after being one of the seven players who were snubbed in the 20-man squad for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) preliminary qualifiers.