Africa-Press – Eswatini. Despite heavy critism from the football fraternity, Sihlangu Semnikati head coach Dominic Kunene has not bolstered his striking force.
The former Young Buffaloes mentor has been subjected to criticism, especially after the AFCON Qualifiers against Togo.
Supporters questioned the coach’s tactics by saying he was too defensive.
However, in the final squad list availed by the Eswatini Football Association, the coach has added two experienced goalkeepers in Sandanezwe Mathabela and Khanyakwezwe Shabalala.
The duo of goalkeepers Xolani Gama and Sibusiso ‘Bharaba’ Dlamini has been dropped ahead of the regional tournament.
Ironically, there is still no replacement for Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze despite growing concerns from local supporters.
Sihlangu Semnikati hasn’t scored a goal in the past three outings.
The nations pride will partake in the 2023 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup to be played in Durban between July 5-16.
“The senior men’s national team has shifted focus to the Hollywoobets COSAFA Cup to be played in Durban. A total of 25 players are currently in full time camp at the EFA Technical Centre, Lobamba,” reads the correspondence.
Eswatini begins its campaign against Botswana in Group A before taking on South Africa and Namibia respectively.
This year’s edition of the tournament will have a new format which will see the teams drawn into three groups of four sides with top side in each pool advancing to the semi-finals along the best-placed runners-up.
The pool games will be played on July 5 to 12 with semi-finals and third-placed play-offs to be staged at King Zwelithini Stadium two days later.
COSAFA Cup 2023 groups
Group A
South Africa
Namibia
Botswana
Eswatini
Group B
Zambia
Malawi
Seychelles
Comoros
Group C
Mozambique
Angola
Mauritius
Sihlangu
Sihlangu:
n Goalkeepers
Ncamiso Dlamini
(Royal Leopard), Sandanezwe Mathabela (Mbabane Swallows), Khanyakwezwe Shabalala
(Mbabane Highlanders)
n Defenders
Lindo Mkhonta (ZESCO United) Simanga Masangane (Royal Leopard), Mlamuli Msibi (Royal Leopard), Sihlangu Mkhwanazi (Young Buffaloes), Siboniso Mamba (Young Buffaloes), Siyabonga Silenge (Green Mamba), Mcolisi Manana, Vusi Vilakati (Mbabane Highlandders), Lucky Gamedze (Madlenya FC)
n Midfielders
Mzwandile Mabelesa (Royal Leopard), Sifiso Matse (Royal Leopard), Neliswa Dlamini (Mbabane Swallows), Kwakhe Thwala (Mbabane Swallows), Siboniso Ngwenya (Young Buffaloes), Bongwa Matsebula (Young Buffaloes), Mcolisi Mkhontfo (Green Mamba), Mpendulo Tfomo (Mbabane Highlanders), Philani Mkhontfo (Mbabane Highlanders)
n Strikers
Mthokozisi Gwebu (Manzini Sea Birds), Sabelo Ndzinisa (Green Mamba), Njabulo Maziya (Young Buffaloes), Fanelo Mamba (Young Buffaloes)
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