Sitsebe SaMhlekazi Departs for 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship
The Eswatini senior women’s national team, Sitsebe SaMhlekazi, departed today, February 17, 2026, for Polokwane, South Africa, to compete in the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Championship 2025. Scheduled from February 18 to March 1, 2026, the tournament was postponed from late 2025 to serve as a key preparation event for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Tournament Outlook
The team received a formal send-off at the Lobamba Technical Centre, where officials and players expressed confidence following a successful warm-up campaign. Eswatini enters the competition after securing a 2-0 victory and a 0-0 draw in recent friendlies against Mozambique.
Eswatini faces a difficult path against defending champions Zambia, as well as Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Sitsebe SaMhlekazi will open their tournament against Zimbabwe on Thursday, February 19, at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium (12:00 CAT).
Head Coach Bongani Makhukhula stated the squad is “no longer a pushover” and aims to compete for a semi-final spot rather than just participating.
Eswatini Group B Fixture Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Time (CAT) |
| Feb 19, 2026 | Zimbabwe | Old Peter Mokaba Stadium | 12:00 |
| Feb 22, 2026 | Botswana | Seshego Stadium | 12:00 |
| Feb 25, 2026 | Zambia | Old Peter Mokaba Stadium | 15:00 |
EFA CEO Mr. Frederick Mngomezulu urged the 22-member squad to play with pride, noting that they carry the hopes of the entire nation. Matches will be streamed live globally on FIFA+ and the COSAFA YouTube channel.