Africa-Press – Eswatini. Amid the crucial capital city derby involving Mbabane Highlanders against their sworn rivals Mbabane Swallows, the former’s preparations have been dealt a major blow due to the absence of four key players while doing vigorous training in South Africa.
The quartet that comprises captain Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa, Peter Dlamini, first choice goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala and Philani Mkhontfo, missed the on-going camp in South Africa, which began on Wednesday morning.
The black and white ensemble is currently preparing to take on rivals the ‘Beautiful Birds’ in the crucial league encounter scheduled for the Mavuso Sports Centre on Sunday.
A source close to the matter revealed that the four players had returned to the country as they did not undertake the trip to SA due to a communication breakdown between the team and the players.
“The national team players are not part of the squad that is currently at training in Tshwane following a breakdown in communication between the affected players and the Management Committee,” said a source.
Highlanders head coach Selaotse ‘Sly’ Mosala confirmed the absence of the players in their international training camp.
“They have been doing a lot of training with the national team, so I think they are fit and ready for the game on Sunday ,‘’ he said.
On another note, Mosala said the rest of the squad was equipped on meditational training session at the University of Pretoria, which is part of Highlanders’ team building exercise. “The session was to advise players about the importance of vigorous training in preparation for such games,” he said.
The players were part of the Sihlangu Semnikati squad that returned on Wednesday evening from South Africa, where they were playing their second match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers against Bukina Faso on Tuesday at FNB Stadium.
This is not the first time the black and white giants set up their training base in the neighbouring country ahead of an important game.
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