U23 NATIONAL TEAM DEPARTS FOR MALAWI WITH POSITIVE RESULTS IN SIGHT

“We prepared not to concede, but to score” – U23 Head Coach Friday Myeni

The Eswatini U23 Men’s National Team has departed for Malawi ahead of the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, following an official farewell ceremony held at the EFA Technical Centre in Lobamba on Saturday afternoon.

The first-leg encounter is scheduled for Tuesday, 29 September 2026, at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, with the return fixture set for Tuesday, 6 October 2026, at Somhlolo National Stadium.

Speaking during the farewell, EFA Vice President Nkosingiphile Shongwe reminded the players that they were travelling to represent the nation and encouraged them to approach the assignment as a united team.

“Remember you no longer play as individuals but as a team representing the country. As you play, remember that there are people behind you expecting good results. Congratulations on being selected. Show discipline and represent us well. After all, we have to win,” Shongwe said.

Head Coach Friday Myeni highlighted the importance of the U23 national team as part of Eswatini’s player development pathway. He noted that several players in the current squad have progressed through the U17 and U20 national teams, including captain Luyanda Nhlengetfwa and Sive Dlamini.

Myeni also pointed to the broad player base from which the squad has been selected, with players emerging from the MTN Premier League, Regional Super Leagues, and schools football.

“The objective is clear. Ours is to redeem the country. We prepared not to concede, but to score, so that when we return home it will be easier. Performance and results depend mostly on preparations. The players are ready to compete,” Myeni said.

Captain Luyanda Nhlengetfwa echoed the coach’s confidence, saying the squad understands the significance of the two-legged encounter and is ready to give its best in Malawi.

“As players we are aware of the importance of this match. In terms of preparations, we are very well prepared. Our coaches have given us all we need. In Malawi we are going to put in the effort and get positive results, and when we return for the home leg at Somhlolo National Stadium, we will finish the job,” Nhlengetfwa said.

The team will now turn its attention to Tuesday’s first-leg encounter, with the objective of returning home with a positive result before the decisive second leg at Somhlolo National Stadium on 6 October.

The EFA Executive Member and Shiselweni Regional Football Association Chairperson, Mr Nkosinathi Kunene, is the Head of Delegation for the international assignment. The travelling players are as follows:

Goalkeepers

Sanele Sithole (Umbelebele F.C.), Mnotfo Nxumalo (Young Buffaloes F.C.)

Defenders

Mancoba Thwala (Red Rhinos F.C.), Sanele Mhlabane (Royal Leopard F.C.), Bongumenzi Khumalo ( Mbabane Highlanders F.C.), Siphosethu Hlatjwako (Mbabane Swallows F.C.), Mthobisi Zwane (Nsingizini Hotspurs F.C.), Banele Mamba (Ludzeludze Killers F.C.), Sive Dlamini (Amawele F.C.),

Midfielders

Luyanda Nhlengetfwa (Nsingizini Hotspurs F.C.), Mfundo Kunene ( Manzini Sea Birds F.C.), Sanele Ngwenya (Mbabane Swallows F.C.), Thandolwethu Mabelesa (Nsingizini F.C.), Sabelo Vilakati (Moneni Pirates F.C.),

Forwards

Njongo Mazibuko (Nsingizini Hotspurs F.C.), Ncamiso Nkwanyane (Red Rhinos F.C.), Malwande Gwebu (Manzini Wanderers F.C.), Njabulo Gama (Young buffaloes F.C.), Bongiswa Dlamini (Mbabane Swallows F.C.), Bonkhe Masika (Moneni Pirates F.C.)