Eswatini Football Association
P. O Box 641 , Mbabane, Eswatini, Sigwaca House H100
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PARTICIPATION OF LETTICIA VIANA IN A CAF ELITE REFEREES COURSE
Local Women Referee, Letticia Viana was selected by CAF to be part of a panel of CAF Elite Women Referees that participated in a CAF Elite Referees Course that was hosted in Morocco from the 26th October 2017 to the 1st November 2017. The Elite course which comprised both the technical and fitness aspect carried certification for all successful participants. Our local women referee successfully participated in the course. At this instance, the NFAS hereby seizes this prospect to congratulate the referee on her recognition to participate in an Elite Refereeing Course, recognition which will open opportunities for women refereeing in the country and a great motivation to current aspiring women referees.
UPDATES ON THE SENIOR MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM
The National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) would like to inform the public and all stakeholders that it has since decided to release the players from camp back to their football clubs this Monday, 13th November 2017, following the none success in the acquisition of an international friendly match within this FIFA Week, despite the fact that it had already tentatively secured two matches even before the start of the FIFA Week.
Efforts to have other alternative matches or at least a practice match proved cumbersome, especially in the light of the fact that the withdrawals or changes of the initial planned matches happened when the period was too short. Most of the countries approached later decried their budgetary constraints to honour the matches, whilst other proved to be expensive to undertake on the current limited budget. The NFAS still has to oversee the preparation and participation of the U20 national team in the U20 COSAFA Competition in Zambia next month; oversee the preparation and participation of the Women national team for the AFCON Ghana 2018 Qualifier; and further preparations of the very same senior national team (Sihlangu SeMnikati) ahead of Tunisia match.
THE U 20 MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM IS BACK
The U20 Men’s National Team is back home after visiting Lesotho for 2 international friendly matches against their counterparts from the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho. The local side won both matches with the first one being played on Saturday, 11th November 2017 whereby they won by 3-0 and on the second match that was played on Sunday, 12th November 2017 the lads won by 2-0. These international friendly matches are part of the preparations for the upcoming U20 COSAFA Youth Championships to be held in Kitwe; Zambia as from the 6th -16th November 2017.
Upon their arrival at the Technical Centre in Lobamba; the Captain, Junior Magagula of the national team highlighted that they got a good practice from the Basotho in both matches as they were very competitive as a result they had to work hard for their victories. “They gave us a good practice as we had to work very hard for the results”, he said. When quizzed about their opponents in the group stages of the COSAFA U 20 Youth Championship; the skipper stated that it is a tough group however; they will work very hard in order to play very well in the competition. “It is a tough group however; with hard work and support from the nation, we can play very well in the competition”, he said.
His words were also stated by the U20 Men’s National Team Coach, Mandla “Stofu” Dlamini who also noted that both matches were very competitive as they learnt a lot from the Basotho U20 National Team. “They were a tough opposition on both matches as they gave us a good practice whereby we learnt a lot from them as a team”, he said. The coach also highlighted his happiness in which the lads played well and according to the game plan.
The national team players were given a very short break as they expected to be back in full time training camp on Wednesday, 15th November 2017.
THE REFEREES PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST WAS A SUCCESS
The National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) held a Referees Fitness Test on Sunday, 13th November 2017 at the Somhlolo National Stadium in Lobamba. The targeted referees were those who officiates in the elite football; however regional referees were also accommodated. Among the referees, 4 of them were female which is an indication that refereeing is for both genders.
According to the Chairman of the Swaziland Referees Committee, the NFAS was very happy about the overall event. “The NFAS is very much excited about the whole event as the turnout was very much encouraging”, he said. When quizzed about the availability of human resources in as far as refereeing is concerned; he stated that the presence of young referees was an indication of growth in refereeing as they are also expecting more referees in January as they are currently busy with their refereeing studies. This additional referee will play a significant role considering the fact that there are 14 MTN Premier League teams and 12 National First Division Team which implies more number of matches than the previous football season.
The NFAS Refereeing Instructor, Mr. Dumisani Hadebe highlighted that a total of 55 referees participated in this exercise where-by 5 of them were not able to make it however; they will have another opportunity to retest after 6 week”, he said. Among the participating referees was the experienced referee who is also the Secretary of the Swaziland National Referees Association (SNRA); Mr. Simanga Nhleko who highlighted about the importance of this exercise. “This is a vital exercise as we are expected to stay fit all the times in order to match the physical fitness demands of refereeing”, he said.
This referees physical fitness test follows the one that was made before the commencement of the 2017/2018 football season.
U20 MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM OFF TO LESOTHO
On another note, the U20 Men’s National Team is also currently in camp at Caritas in Manzini; preparing for the upcoming COSAFA U20 Youth Championships to be held in Kitwe, Zambia from the 6th -16th December 2017. As part of these preparations, the U20 national team will leave the country by road this evening for an international friendly match against Lesotho U20s which will be played in Maseru. The travelling delegation includes 5 officials plus 20 players and heading the delegation is Mr. Sonnyboy Mabuza an Executive Member. The team is expected back home on Monday, 13th November 2017. This is just part of the preparation for the COSAFA U20 Competition, whose draw is already been done where the country is in Group A with the host Zambia; the Guest team; Uganda and Malawi, which looks to be a tough group, hence the need to have intensive preparations in the next two weeks to participate well. The list of players is as follows:
- Magagula Junior
- Gamedze Sandile
- Matse Ali
- Lukhele Mndeni
- Shabalala Sizolwethu
- Kunene Ayanda
- Mabuza Ndumiso
- Mabila Siphosethu
- Mhlongo Sicelo
- Simelane Ncobizitha
- Mamba Fanelo
- Dladla Mbuso
- Shabangu Lihle
- Dlamini Andile
- Malindzisa Mancoba
- Mthembu Themba
- Mamba Bhekumusa
- Vilakati Vusi
- Dlamini Mncedisi
- Shabangu Chicken
NFAS LICENSE D COACHING COURSE
The National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) will on Saturday, 4th November 2017 host the NFAS License D Coaching Course and it will run for 5 weekends. This course is mainly targeted to coaches who are practising in Super League teams and prospective coaches as this is an entry license in the coaching profession. The NFAS License D Coaching Course is in line with the requirements of Club Licensing, where even youth and regional teams must be trained by qualified football coaches. Amongst the topics of this course is psychology, football theory, team management and physiology just to mention a few. This course will be hosted in the following places:
- Ntfonjeni High School
- Sigwaca House
- Manzini Regional Football Association Offices
- KaLanga High School
- King Sobhuza Stadium
In all these places, classes will commence at 0800hrs (8:00 am).
NFAS CONGRATULATES SABELO NDZINISA FOR HIS CAF AWARDS NOMINATION
The National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) and the Football family expresses congratulatory note to Mbabane Swallows FC’s international striker; Sabelo “Sikhali” Ndzinisa for being nominated by CAF for the African Player of the Year based in Africa. This is a symbol of growth in the standard of football in the country and also, this nomination promotes our football brand and the country. The NFAS wishes him the best of luck.
THE NFAS EULOGIZES ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE SWAZILAND NATIONAL SPORTS AWARDS AND THE APPOINTMENT OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATORS TO CAF STANDING COMMITTEES
The National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) on behalf of the football family, expresses its sincere appreciation and humbleness for being selected as the Best Association and further congratulates the Senior Men’s National Team (Sihlangu SeMnikati); the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NFAS; Mbabane Swallows FC Head Coach, Mr. Thabo Vilakati; Sihlangu SeMnikati and Mbabane Swallows Skipper, Tony Tsabedze; and former Sihlangu SeMnikati Head Coach, Mr. Harries Bulunga for their respective achievements during the maiden Swaziland National Sports Awards.
The NFAS was selected as the Best Association, Sihlangu SeMnikati as the Best Team, CEO of the NFAS as the Best Sports Administrator, Mr. Thabo Vilakati as the Best Coach whilst Mr. Harries Bulunga was chosen by the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs in the category of Lifetime Awards.
On another note, the NFAS further congratulates the President of the NFAS, Senator Adam Mthethwa and the CEO, of the NFAS, Mr. Frederick Mngomezulu, for their respective appointments into the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standing committees. The President was appointed into the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Organising Committee whilst the CEO was appointed into the Legal Affairs and National Associations Committee.
These tremendous achievements are an indication that our football is maturing both technically and administratively. Additionally, such achievements also show the great contribution of the game of football in the practice and upliftment of the sporting industry domestically and beyond.
SIHLANGU SEMNIKATI WILL BE IN FULL TIME CAMP DURING THE FIFA WEEK
The Senior Men’s National Team (Sihlangu SeMnikati) will be in full time camp during the upcoming FIFA international week which will commence on the 6th -14th November 2017 at the Technical Centre in Lobamba. The national team players are expected to report for this training camp by 1400hrs (2:00pm) on Monday, 6th November 2017.
When addressing the media during a press conference at Sigwaca House, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) highlighted that this is part of the national team’s preparations for the TOTAL AFCON Qualifier match against Tunisia on home soil on the 27th March 2017. During this training camp, the national team is expected to play at least one international friendly match. “This training camp is part of the preparations for the Tunisia and other TOTAL AFCON matches plus the COSAFA competition and as part of this preparations, it is scheduled that the national team will play 2 or at least 1 international friendly match (s)”, said the CEO of the NFAS. Currently the NFAS is working around the clock in finding oppositions for the national teams.
The CEO also reminded the clubs and selected player to honour national team call ups irrespective of their conditions as they will be assessed by the national team doctor when they report for camp. Players who don’t honour national team call ups will be punished by the NFAS as per the statutes of the NFAS regarding players’ call ups to the national team.
The list of players to report for camp are as follows:
|
NAME OF PLAYER |
CLUB |
POSITION |
|
Phephisani Msibi |
Royal Leopards |
Goalkeeper |
|
Khanyakwezwe Shabalala |
Matsapha United |
Goalkeeper |
|
Sandanezwe Mathabela |
Manzini Sundowns |
Goalkeeper |
|
Nhlanhla Gwebu |
Young Buffaloes |
Goalkeeper |
|
Sifiso Mabila |
Mbabane Swallows |
Defender |
|
Mandla Palma |
Mbabane Swallows |
Defender |
|
Sanele Mkhweli |
Mbabane Swallows |
Defender |
|
Mncedisi Dlamini |
Mbabane Highlanders |
Defender |
|
Siboniso Mamba |
Young Buffaloes |
Defender |
|
Siboniso Ndzabandzaba |
Tambuti |
Defender |
|
Sandile Dlamini |
Manzini Sundowns |
Defender |
|
Simphiwe Manana |
Mbabane Highlanders |
Defender |
|
Wandile Maseko |
Young Buffaloes |
Defender |
|
Ndumiso Ndaba |
Mbabane Swallows |
Defender |
|
Vusi Vilakati |
Mbabane Highlanders |
Defender |
|
Menzi Simelane |
Moneni Pirates |
Defender |
|
Mncedisi Poto Dlamini |
Vovovo |
Defender |
|
Menzi Sithole |
Mbabane Highlanders |
Midfielder |
|
Wonder Nhleko |
Mbabane Swallows |
Midfielder |
|
Njabulo Ndlovu |
Mbabane Swallows |
Midfielder |
|
Tony Tsabedze |
Mbabane Swallows |
Midfielder |
|
Sifiso Matse |
Manzini Wanderers |
Midfielder |
|
Mancoba Maseko |
Midas City |
Midfielder |
|
Banele Mdluli |
Green Mamba |
Striker |
|
Sandile Hlatshwako |
Mbabane Swallows |
Striker |
|
Barry Stenkamp |
Royal Leopards |
Striker |
|
Felix Badenhorst |
Mbabane Swallows |
Striker |
|
Justice Figereito |
Manzini Sundowns |
Striker |
|
Bongani Dlamini |
Royal Leopards |
Striker |
|
Sifiso Mazibuko |
Young Buffaloes |
Striker |
SIHLANGU HEAD COACH IS LOOKING FORWARD TO A FRUITFUL CAMP
The Senior Men’s National Team (Sihlangu SeMnikati) Head Coach, Pieter De Jongh is looking forward to a fruitful training camp during the FIFA international week as from the 6th -14th October 2017. When speaking during a press conference at Sigwaca House, the head coach stated that, this training camp is also part of the preparations for the TOTAL AFCON Qualifier match against Tunisia early next year, and he is also looking forward to a fruitful training camp. “This is part of the preparations for the Tunisia match and I am looking forward to a fruitful training camp just like the previous one, however; the only difference with this one is that we will have at least one international friendly match”, he said.
The head coach also highlighted that as technical staff of the national team, they have an idea of what they want for the national team in the future. “The main aim is to get maximum points against Tunisia”, he said.
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