GOVERNMENT AND EFA SEND OFF YOUNG SIHLANGU FOR HISTORIC FIFA U-15 WORLD CUP DEBUT
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) on Monday hosted a farewell ceremony for the Eswatini U15 National Team at the Lobamba Technical Centre ahead of its departure for Azerbaijan to participate in the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup 2026.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, represented by the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Honourable Phila Buthelezi, alongside EFA President Mr Peter Simelane and EFA General Secretary Mr Frederick Mngomezulu.
The tournament, scheduled to begin on 24 October 2026, will bring together young footballers from across the world. Eswatini has been drawn into Group M alongside Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Samoa, Slovakia and Thailand. Matches will be played in an eight-a-side format, with each participating nation permitted to register a squad of 14 players.
Representing the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Minister Bongani Nzima was the Minister of Labour and Social security, Minister Phila Buthelezi who wished the delegation a safe journey and urged the players to represent the country with pride, dignity and discipline.
“You are not going to represent yourselves alone. You are representing Eswatini and every citizen who will be standing behind you. Go out there and represent this country with pride, dignity and the respect for which Eswatini is known,” Buthelezi said.
He encouraged the players to remain resilient in the face of difficult opponents and unfavourable results, emphasising that setbacks should be treated as opportunities to learn and improve. He also urged them to listen to their technical team and uphold discipline, teamwork and commitment throughout the competition.
Buthelezi described the team’s participation as an important milestone for Eswatini football, acknowledging FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the EFA for their efforts to expand opportunities for young players, particularly from smaller footballing nations. He added that the experience could benefit the broader development of football in the country and expressed hope that the delegation would receive a warm welcome upon its return.
Addressing the players, EFA President Mr Peter Simelane introduced Mr Vusi Hall as the team’s Head of Delegation before congratulating the squad on reaching a milestone that could shape their footballing futures.
Simelane described the opportunity to compete internationally at such a young age as a lifetime experience, urging the players to believe in their abilities and approach the tournament without fear.
“You have been given a lifetime opportunity to experience football at this level while you are still young. Go out there and give your maximum. Do not be intimidated by anyone. You belong there just as much as every other team,” he said.
The EFA President further encouraged the players to make the most of the international exposure, noting that their performances could attract the attention of scouts and open doors to future opportunities.
“There will be people watching, including scouts who may identify talented players for opportunities with clubs in Europe. Take this opportunity seriously, work hard and show what you are capable of doing. This could be the beginning of something great for your future,” Simelane said.
He reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to supporting the team, describing the U15 side as an important foundation for the future senior national team. He also wished the delegation well and assured the players of the support of the football fraternity back home.
Meanwhile, Head Coach Xolani Sigudla expressed confidence in his players, declaring that the team was travelling to Azerbaijan with the ambition of competing rather than merely participating.
“Many people may look at Eswatini as underdogs, but I believe in these boys and what they are capable of doing. We are not going there just to add numbers. We are going there to compete, and we believe we can surprise many people,” Sigudla said.
Team captain Sisekelo Shongwe echoed his coach’s confidence, pledging that the players would give their all in pursuit of a memorable campaign.
“We are leaving the country empty-handed, but we want to come back carrying something. We are going there to fight for the honours, and we promise to give everything we have in every match,” Shongwe said.
For the young Sihlangu, the journey to Azerbaijan represents more than a football tournament. It is an opportunity to test themselves against international opposition, learn from different footballing cultures and take meaningful steps towards realising their ambitions in the game.
As the delegation embarks on this historic journey, the message from Government and the EFA is clear: compete with courage, uphold the values of Eswatini and make the most of an opportunity that could help shape the future of the country’s football.
The nation will be watching as its young footballers make their FIFA U-15 World Cup debut, carrying the hopes of a country eager to see its next generation rise to the global stage.