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TWO AFRICAN FOOTBALL LEAGENDS MOTIVATES THE U20 MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM

“When you cross that white line fight,” said former Nigerian international and Everton striker Yakubu Ayegbeni. “Football can change your life in five minutes,” said Yannick Ntari. These two African football legends were speaking to the U20 men’s national team on Tuesday afternoon before its departure to Mozambique for the TotalEnergies AFCON | COSAFA Qualifiers 2024 that will kick-off on the 26th September -6th October 2024.

These African football legends have already met the Minister of Sports, Culture, and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima. As part of their motivation to the national team, they also presented the players with some cash. This was during the farewell function for the national team.

When addressing the players, both of them emphasized on the importance of hard work, patience, and discipline. “You must take this opportunity with both hands as the are a lot of other players who wants to be where you are. This can be the beginning of great things in your football career as you may never know who will be watching. I encourage you to work very hard, be patience, and discipline is always important,” said Ayegbeni.

“Football has the power to make things happen in your life. You can achieve great things in life through football. As Yakubu has said, work very hard, focus, and be patience. This is a life time opportunity that you must maximise. We wish you the best of luck,” Ntari said.

The Eswatini Football Association’s (EFA’s) General Secretary, Frederick Mngomezulu challenged the national team to play up until the last day of the competition. “Go to Mozambique and play until the last day of the competition; and by so doing, you will make a great mark for yourselves, the country, and the EFA,” Mngomezulu said.

The travelling squad is as follows:

GOALKEEPERS

Kwethu Masuku, Andile Awu

DEFENDERS

Luyanda Nhlengethwa, Muhle Siyaya, Khayalethu Sacolo, Mthobisi Zwane, Sive Dlamini, Siphiwosenkhosi Kunene

MIDFIELDERS

Mangaliso Mamba, Lunga Mdlovu, Andiswa Malaza, Ngcebo Tjapile, Junior Mtsetfwa

STRIKERS

Phiwayinkhosi Dube, Njongo Mazibuko, Sinotsile Mlotsa, Lindelani Masuku, Sisekelo Fakudze, Thatho Mdluli, Malwande Gwebu