SIHLANGU SEMNIKATI EMBARK ON HISTORIC EUROPEAN ASSIGNMENT
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) hosted a farewell ceremony for the Senior Men’s National Team, Sihlangu SeMnikati, at Bethel Court ahead of their historic trip to Europe, where they are set to play an international friendly match against Malta on 12 November 2026.
The fixture will mark the first time in history that the Eswatini Senior Men’s National Team plays an international match on European soil. The encounter presents a significant opportunity for the players to gain valuable international exposure, test themselves against European opposition and showcase their talent on a wider stage.
The farewell ceremony was attended by EFA President Mr Peter Simelane and General Secretary Mr Frederick Mngomezulu. The team is led by Interim Head Coach Dominic Kunene and his interim technical bench.
In his address, EFA President Mr Peter Simelane wished the delegation a safe journey and reminded the players that representing the national team was a privilege earned through their abilities and performances.
“You are here because you are among the best that our country has to offer. This is an opportunity that you must grab with both hands. Go out there, play for your country, but also play for yourselves. International assignments of this nature provide opportunities to showcase your abilities, and you never know who might be watching from the stands,” Simelane said.
The President further emphasised that international friendlies are essential in building the experience and competitiveness required for Eswatini to realise its football ambitions, including qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and ultimately the FIFA World Cup, in line with His Majesty King Mswati III’s vision.
He added that a positive performance and good results would not only benefit the team but could also contribute positively to Eswatini’s position in the international rankings.
Speaking during the ceremony, Coach Kunene expressed his gratitude to the EFA for making the international assignment possible, highlighting the importance of such opportunities in the development of both the players and the technical team.
“First, I would like to thank the EFA for giving us this opportunity. It is valuable to us as a technical team and for the players. In football, if you want to improve, you have to compete against the best. Playing against Malta will give us an opportunity to experience a different level of football, learn and expose ourselves to quality talent,” Kunene said.
He further expressed confidence in the squad, noting that the presence of players who ply their trade outside the country would be an added advantage in helping the team adapt quickly, particularly given the limited time available for preparations. He also acknowledged the growing competitiveness of the local league as an important contributor to the progress of the national team.
“I believe in my players, and I believe in my technical team. We are travelling with a positive mindset, and we will give everything to represent our country well,” Kunene said.
Sihlangu captain Philani Mkhonto also described the European assignment as a valuable opportunity for the players to grow, improve their performances and potentially attract interest from international scouts.
“As players, we are grateful for this opportunity. Exposure to European football will help us learn from the level of talent we will be competing against. It is an opportunity to build ourselves individually and collectively, and ultimately improve the performance of the national team,” Mkhonto said.
Mkhonto further noted that having a number of foreign-based players within the squad would help the team establish cohesion within a short period, despite the limited time available for the players to train together. He also appealed to Emaswati to rally behind the team as they prepare to carry the nation’s flag abroad.
The Malta encounter forms part of a wider European tour, with Sihlangu also expected to play a second international friendly against another European national team in the Netherlands. Details of the second fixture are still being finalised and are expected to be communicated on Tuesday.
The EFA wishes Sihlangu SeMnikati a safe journey and every success as they embark on this historic European assignment and continue to proudly represent the Kingdom of Eswatini on the international stage.