Eswatini Football Association
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The Senior Men’s National Team (Sihlangu SeMnikakati) has left the country for Morocco to play the final match of their TotalEnergies 2023 AFCON Qualifiers against Burkina Faso. This match will be played on Friday, 8th September 2023 in Marrakech, Morocco.
During the farewell function that was held at the EFA’s Technical Centre in Lobamba, the EFA’s Vice President Mr. Steve Horton expressed his delight on having a youthful national team. “I am happy to see a young national team which is an indication of a positive future for Eswatini football,” Horton said. Having said that, he reminded the technical team and players that this is an important assignment as the public wants results. “The public wants results thus this is an important assignment,” Horton said. He also urged the coach to allow the players to express themselves as they have nothing to loss. “Coach, allow the players to express themselves as they have nothing to lose,” Horton said.
The head coach of the national team, Dominic Kunene highlighted that they will do their level best in Morocco. “We will do our level best in this match”, Kunene said. The national team’s captain, Sifiso Matse stated that they have learned something from the past and they want to improve going forward. “We have learned from the previous matches and we want to improve going forward,” Matse said. The travelling players are as follows:
The Senior Men’s National Team’s (Sihlangu SeMnikati’s) preparations are going well. This was highlighted by the head coach Dominic Kunene as Sihlangu continues with the preparations for the upcoming TotalEnergies AFCON Qualifier match against Burkina Faso. “The preparations are going well and I urge all the players to maximise this opportunity”, Kunene said.
As there are changes in the players that are in the national team, the head coach is pleased with their response in training. “Let me acknowledge the other coaches in conditioning the players very well as they are in good shape and they are responding very well”, Kunene said.
One of the players who has been called for the first time in Sihlangu is Philiso Newman who has graduated from the U20 National Team, acknowledged his coaches at club level as he was able to work hard. “Hard work was key for me to be where I am today and credit goes to my coaches at club level”, Newman said. The national team camp has been boosted by the arrival of Justice Figuaredo who plays for Richards Bay United in South Africa. Sihlangu is scheduled to play against Burkina Faso on Friday, 8th September 2023 in Morocco.
Young Buffaloes Ladies F.C. have left the country for Durban to compete in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League COSAFA Qualifiers to be held in Durban, South Africa. This tournament will start on the 30th August and ends on the 8th September 2023.When sending them off, the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) through the organisation’s General Secretary Mr. Frederick Mngomezulu acknowledged Young Buffaloes F.C. for their domestic success and wished them well as they compete in the tournament. “The EFA congratulates Young Buffaloes Ladies F.C. for the domestic success thus representing the country in this tournament,” Mngomezulu said.
As an effort to develop women’s football, the EFA paid USD10 000.00 which is the participation fee for the tournament. The EFA paid USD10 000 participation fee for the team and the organisation has done so for the previous two years. It is an investment by the EFA as the players gain the much-needed international experience,” Mngomezulu said.
He also emphasised the significance of good conduct. “Good conduct is key as you are now representing the country. You must make the authorities of the country to be proud of you,” Mngomezulu said.
The Head Coach, Mr. Sabelo Mnisi stated that the players are ready for the tournament and will do their best during the tournament. “The players are ready as the preparations went well. We will do our level best,” Mnisi said. The team captain, Simangele Sikhondze echoed the coach’s words. “As players, we are ready for the tournament and we will do our level best to represent the country very well,” said Sikhondze.
The team left for Durban by road and the delegation is led by EFA’s Executive Member and Chairman of the Women’s Football Association (WFA) Mr. Bonginkosi Mhlanga.
The Trade Fair Cup is back. This was after the launch of the PLE Trade Fair Cup on Friday, 25th August 2023 at Sigwaca House in Mbabane. This historic tournament used to be called the Swaziland International Trade Fair and was a marvel to the football fans who used to enjoy Eswatini’s night football. It brings back fond memories in as far as the Eswatini football business is concerned.
The sponsorship package for this year’s edition is One Million Emalangeni. This tournament is scheduled to kick-off on the 3rd September 2023 and will be played for ten days. “The sponsorship package is One Million Emalangeni,” said Mr. Charles Matsebula an Executive Committee Member of the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE). Football fans will be able to watch the action at a cost of Sixty Emalangeni with some of the matchdays having three matches. The participating teams for this tournament are the fourteen teams playing in the MTN Premier League. Green Mamba FC who are the MTN Premier League Champions and Young Buffaloes FC who were the runners up of last season’s league will be in action in the quarter-finals of this tournament.
With the Senior Men’s National Team (Sihlangu SeMnikati) currently in camp in readiness of the TotalEnergies AFCON Qualifier match against Burkina Faso on the 8th September 2023 in Morocco, Sihlangu players will not be in action in as far as this tournament is concerned. “With the national team currently in camp, this tournament will present an opportunity for other players to display their talent which is also good for talent development,” said Mr. Frederick Mngomezulu, the General Secretary of the Eswatini Football Association (EFA).
As another highlight of this tournament, eleven substitutes will be allowed so that the players will have some rest between matches. The GS emphasised about the importance of the spirit of sportsmanship; thus, good conduct is urged during the tournament. “As part of the spirit of sportsmanship, good conduct is expected during this tournament”, said Mngomezulu. Due to the popularity of football the GS also urged Government to always engage football in the implementation of her projects. “Football is the most popular sport in the globe which makes it a perfect vehicle towards the successful execution of any programme”, Mngomezulu said.
Speaking on behalf of Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) was Mr. Bongani Ntjangase who is EIPA’s Head of Trade acknowledged the PLE for being part of the Trade Fair through this tournament. “We are excited about this tournament which is an indication that football is business, not just a game,” Ntjangase said.
The current FIFA Chief of Global Development Mr. Arsène Wenger once said “At a young age, winning is not the most important thing. The important thing is to develop creative and skilled players with good confidence.” Through the hosting of Mozambique on Saturday, 19th August 2023 under the Technical Development Scheme (TDS), the EFA provided a wonderful platform for the Eswatini and Mozambican child to develop here talent.
The talented U15 girls and boys under this programme got the opportunity to play international football as part of their development. A total of twelve (12) matches were played on the day with a summation of thirty (30) goals scored. Each country had two teams on both sections (girls and boys). Present during this event was EFA’s Technical Development Committee (TDC) Members amongst others.
“The future looks bright with the implementation of such football development programme. The TDS is for the talented child, and this shows that there is a lot of talent out there that needs to be nurtured. Let me applaud the EFA for hosting this event and this is a good investment for the future,” Letsoaki said.
The EFA’s Technical Director Mr. Bhekisisa Mkhonta applauded FIFA for her investment towards football development and highlighted the significance of hosting such events. “First, let me acknowledge FIFA’s efforts towards the development of football. Such events are key in as far as player development is concerned as playing international opponents at this age enhances player development,” Mkhonta said.
Mozambique teams were the champions of this tournament on both girls and boys sections and for their efforts, they got two trophies and gold medals.
SIHLANGU HEAD COACH NAME A 25-PLAYER SQUAD FOR THE FINAL MATCH OF THE TOTALENERGIES AFCON QUALIFIERS
GOALKEEPERS
Khanyakwezwe Shabalala (Mbabane Highlanders FC), Colani Gama (Green Mamba FC),
Ncamiso Dlamini (Royal Leopard FC)
DEFENDERS
Mlamuli Msibi (Royal Leopard FC), Vusi Vilakati (Mbabane Highlanders FC), Mcolisi Manana (Green Mamba FC), Delisa Gama (Mbabane Highlanders FC), Sibongakonkhe Silenge (Green Mamba FC), Kwakhe Tfwala (Mbabane Swallows FC),Simanga Masangane (Royal Leopard FC),Newman Philiso (Mbabane Swallows FC)
MIDFIELDERS
Mzwandile Mabelesa (Royal Leopard FC), Samkeliso Ginindza (Moneni Pirates FC), Sifiso Matse (Royal Leopard FC), Mpendulo Tfomo (Mbabane Highlanders FC), Leon Manyisa (Mbabane Swallows FC), Bongwa Matsebula (Young Buffaloes FC), Neliswa Dlamini (Mbabane Swallows FC), Andile Gadlela (Mbabane Swallows FC), Bongiswa Dlamini (Young Bufaloes FC)
STRIKERS
Justice Figuaredo (Richards Bay United FC), Mthokozisi Gwebu (Manzini Sea Birds FC), Sizolwethu Shabalala (Mbabane Swallows FC), Mxolisi Mkhotfo (Green Mamba FC), Neliso Myeni (Nsingizini Hotspurs FC)
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has wished Green Mamba FC good luck for Saturday’s TotalEnergies CAF Champions League match against UD do Songo. This match will be played at Estadio Nacional do Zimpeto in Maputo, Mozambique and kick-off is at 1500hrs. Speaking on behalf of the EFA President was the Acting President Mr. Steve Horton. “Go and represent us well and come back with a win. We have confidence in you”, said Horton. He also wished the Head Coach team Mr. Earnest Dlamini the very best of luck as he executes his duties in this competition which is his maiden experience to lead a team in Africa. “As this is your first experience to lead a team in Africa, I wish you good luck. It is possible as you also have experienced players in the team,” Horton said.
Green Mamba F.C. will leave the country today for Maputo by road to set-up a camp ahead of this match.
The Senior Women’s National Team (Sitsebe SaMhlekazi) is off to Mozambique to play an international friendly match against the Mozambique Senior Women National Team. This international friendly match will be played on Sunday, 13th August 2023 in Maputo. The purpose of this international friendly match is to give the technical bench the platform to assess the progress of the national team players since they commenced their full-time camp two weeks ago. The travelling squad is as follows:
GOALKEEPERS
Gcinile Dlamini (Young Buffaloes Ladies F.C.), Nompilo Dlamini (Nsingizini Hotspurs F.C.)
DEFENDERS
Simangele Sikhondze (Young Buffaloes F.C.), Badelisile Ngozo (Young Buffaloes F.C.), Futhi Dlamini (Young Buffaloes F.C.), Welile Ndwandwe (Young Baffaloes F.C.), Thulisile Dube (Young Buffaloes F.C.), Samukelisiwe Fakudze (Nsingizini Hotspurs F.C.), Bethulisile Mathonsi (Manzini Wanderers F.C.)
MIDFIELDERS
Mazwi Dube (Young Buffaloes F.C.), Sikhanyiso Magagula (Young Buffaloes F.C.) Simile Marks (Nsingizini Hotspurs F.C.), Londiwe Maziya (Moneni Pirates F.C.), Nokuthula Ndlovu (Green Mamba FC), Nonduduzo Dlamini (Young Buffaloes F.C.)
STRIKERS
Tenanile Ngcamphalala (Young Buffaloes F.C.), Celiwe Nkambule (Young Buffaloes F.C.), Thulisile Thring (Young Buffaloes F.C.), Sisanda Ndzinisa (Young Buffaloes F.C.), Tfolakele Gamedze (Mbabane Swallows F.C.), Siphilisiwe Ndlovu (Young buffaloes F.C.), Neliswa Ngcamphalala (Jabezi High School),
The U20 Men’s National Team left the country for Lesotho to play an international friendly match against the Lesotho U20 Men’s National Team on Saturday, 12th August 2023. The purpose of this friendly match is to give the technical team the platform to assess the national team’s progress after the implementation of weekly training camps and the two (2) weeks full time camp. The national team Head Coach Mduduzi Nxumalo travelled with the following players:
GOALKEEPERS
Samkelo Shongwe (Ezulwini United F.C.), Wakhile Dlamini (19 Celtics F.C.), Kwethu Masuku (Baffoe F.C.), Nonduduzo Mhlanga (Manzini Wanderers F.C.)
DEFENDERS
Sibusiso Vilakati (Juniors F.C.), Mthobisi Zwane (Mahashulane F.C.), Mlandvo Gumedze (Pigg’s Peak Rangers F.C.), Sive Dlamini (Royal Dynamos F.C.), Khayalethu Sacolo (Royal Leopard F.C.), Ngcebo Sangweni (Combine Stars F.C.), Muzi Ngcamphalala (Royal Leopard F.C.) Jongo Mazibuko (Siteki United F.C.)
MIDFIELDERS
Sihlelelwe Masuku (Tabankulu Callies F.C.), Muzi Mkhonta (Nsingizini Hotspurs F.C.), Luyanda Nhlengetfwa (Ludzeludze Killers F.C.), Ntsetselelo Mpanza (All Nations F.C.), Yandiswa Kunene (Mvuma Hotspurs F.C.)
STRIKERS
Sinenkhosi Dlamini (Nsingizini Hotspurs F.C.), Banele Nkambule (Kappa Kappa F.C.), Banele Nkambule (Ezulwini United F.C.), Khayalethu Zitha (Mhlume Community F.C.), Vuyolethu Gama (Denver Sundowns F.C.), Menzi Dludlu (Manzini Wanderers F.C.)
As an effort of developing football in the country, the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) is currently working on improving the practice of refereeing in the country. This was disclosed by the President of the EFA Mr. Peter Simelane during the official closing ceremony of the FIFA MA Refereeing Course at the Thokoza Church Centre on Friday morning. “The football association has already started working on complementary intervention that will improve the practice of refereeing, in particular the creation of an environment that will ensure that stakeholders are impressed with the work of the referees,” Simelane said. During the same event, EFA President also reminded the referees about their importance in the implementation of the football competitions. “The new season is imminent, and our referees are reminded of their centrality, in the envisage successful implementation of all football competitions of the season,” Simelane said.
Requests
As a way of enhancing quality delivery for the referees, Mr.Celestin Ntagungira who is a FIFA expert requested the EFA to enforce the Refereeing Department of the football association among other requests.. “I request the EFA to re-enforce the refereeing department as football is dynamic,” Ntangungira said. He requested that the department should have one technical and one physical fitness instructor to monitor the referees. He also asked the football association to select the best instructors to be Referees Assessors during the implementation of matches. “I also request the EFA to select the best Instructors to be Referees Assessors during football matches”, Ntangungira said. Other requests included, the availability of facilities for the referees to be utilized during practise session, communication system, participation of referees during the implementation of VAR courses in other countries, and the recruitment of more new younger referees.
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