REPRESENT US WELL-HON. MINISTER BONGANI NZIMA
The Honourable Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Hon. Bongani Nzima has urged the Senior Men’s National Team (Sihlangu SeMnikati) to go and represent the nation very well in the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup that will be held in Gqeberha, South Africa. This competition will commence on the 26th June – 7th July 2024.
When addressing the national team players at the EFA’s Technical centre, the Honourable Minister congratulated the players for being part of Sihlangu SeMnikati and they are now tasked with representing the nation very well and by so doing they will protect the image of the nation. “Let me congratulate all of you for being selected to the national team which of course come with a huge responsibility. Go and represent the nation very well and protect the image of the nation. Always remember that this is a national team and moreover, the name of the national team needs to be protected always,” said Nzima. The Hounarable Minister concluded by wishing the national team the best of luck in the competition as he has confidence that they are capable enough in getting positive results in the competition.
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Steve Horton highlighted that he is confident that at least the national team will qualify for the knock-out phase of the competition. “I am confident that you will at least qualify for the knock-out phase of the competition”. He also urged the national team to work very hard and perform well in the competition as the nation is starved for good results of the national team. “I urge you to work very hard and perform very well in the competition as the nation is hungry for good results in as far as the national team is concerned,” Horton said.
The national team captain, Kwakhe Thwala stated that as players they are aware of the huge responsibility that has bestowed upon them. “As players, we are aware about the huge responsibility that is bestowed upon us as players of the national team. As we go to this competition, we promise the nation that we will work very hard as we represent the nation in this competition. Of course, the national team record is not good and we want to rectify it in this upcoming Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup. We ask the nation to support us,” Thwala said.
The national Team Head Coach, Sifiso Ntibane highlighted that the players are now ready for the competition and they are looking forward to an improved display by the national team. “The preparations went well and as a technical bench, we are looking forward to an improved performance in as far as the national team is concerned,” Ntibane said.
The travelling players to the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup 2024 are as follows:
GOALKEEPERS
Dlamini Sibusiso, Gama Xolani, Magagula Siyabonga
DEFENDERS
Dlamini Colani, Gamedze Gift, Ginindza Samkelo, Mabilisa Siphosethu, Manana Mxolisi, Newman Philiso, Shongwe Nkosingiphile, Vilakati Vusi
MIDFIELDERS
Dlamini Bongiswa, Dlamini Innocent, Dlamini Neliswa, Magagula Junior, Manyisa Leon, Masangane Simanga, Matsebula Bongwa, Mavuso Thubelihle, Thwala Kwakhe
STRIKERS
Gadlela Ayanda, Shabalala Sizolwethu, Simelane Sambulo, Dlamini Sinenkhosi
