IT’S PAYBACK TIME

The Senior Men’s National Team (Sihlangu SeMnikati) is aiming for maximum points in as far as the HollywoodBets COSAFA Cup match against Madagascar is concerned. Both national teams played against each other in the final round of the TotalEnergies CHAN Qualifiers where the Islanders eliminated Eswatini in the competition.

Having been victorious in their first match of the 2025 HollywoodsBet COSAFA Cup on Saturday evening; Madagascar will be aiming to cement their position in the semi-finals of the tournament. They will be playing their final match in the group phase where as Eswatini will be playing their first match. It is a significant match for both camps.

“The match against Madagascar will be like a final as they will be trying to cement their place in the semi-finals; whilst, we also need the maximum points”, said Sihlangu Head Coach Zdravko Lugarusic. The Head Coach also highlighted that the national team is in Bloemfontein for a purpose; and that is to win four matches. “We are here to do our job. We came here to win four matches. We are in a good mood, and we are here for results,” said Lugarusic.

His words were echoed by Colani Gama who is the National Team Head Coach. “We must stick to the positives to win. It is significant that we start well. We know them as we played against them in the TotalEnergies CHAN Qualifiers where they eliminated us in that competition. The payback time is now,” Gama said.

Alakhe Mdluli who has just graduated to the senior National Team is also looking forward to the match against Madagascar. “Given the opportunity, I will do my best, and with the presence of the experienced players; I have learnt a lot as my main objective for now is to get game time in the national team,” Mdluli said.

Eswatini will play against Madagascar on Maday afternoon at the Dr. Petrus Molamela Stadium and kick-off is at 1500hrs.