ESWATINI U20 SET SIGHTS ON COSAFA FINAL AS SQUAD SETTLE IN MAPUTO
Eswatini’s U20 national team has safely settled in Maputo, Mozambique, with captain Njabulo Gama declaring the squad ready to represent the country at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations | COSAFA Qualifier.
The team departed Eswatini by road on Thursday, 17 September 2026, following an official send-off at the EFA Technical Centre in Lobamba, as they prepare for the regional tournament scheduled for 18–27 September.
Drawn in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola and Lesotho, the young Sihlangu will open their campaign against Angola on Saturday, 19 September.
Speaking ahead of departure, captain Njabulo Gama expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness and determination to represent the nation with pride.
“We are ready for the tournament, and our aim is to represent the country very well,” he said.
Assistant Coach Velekhaya Mtsetfwa said the technical team had worked around the clock to prepare the players, likening the process to preparing for an examination that requires commitment until the final day.
“We have applied ourselves fully in preparing the players. Such preparations are taxing, just like preparing for an examination, where you prepare until the final day before being examined,” he said.
Player development
EFA President Peter Samora Simelane reminded the players that they were travelling as representatives of the nation, urging them to embrace the responsibility and ambition that comes with wearing the national colours.
“We send you as a country to represent us, not as individuals. Your success will be for the country and vice versa. The aim is to play the final match of the tournament; thus, I expect to watch you playing that match,” he said.
Simelane further emphasised the importance of the U20 national team in strengthening Eswatini’s player development pathway, encouraging the players to make the most of the international platform.
“The existence of the U20 national team plays a formidable role in player development. This tournament can present great opportunities for you as players to secure contracts with teams abroad, which is one of the objectives of the Football Association in terms of player development,” he said.
The President also urged the players to maintain their motivation and adopt a winning mentality as they prepare to compete against some of the region’s top young footballers.
The Eswatini Football Association wishes the squad every success as they begin their campaign in Mozambique.