Africa-Press – Eswatini. Following their failed international-friendly match on Wednesday against Mozambican side Black Bull due to heavy rains, Sihlangu Semnikati has taken a decision to play a series of practice matches with MTN Premier League teams.
Upon their return from Mozambique on Wednesday afternoon, the Dominic Kunene-led troops played against Manzini Sea Birds at Lobamba Technical Centre, where they won 3-0, courtesy of a brace by reliable forward Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa and a solitary strike by Young Buffaloes exciting winger Bongwa ‘Logwaja’ Matsebula.
The nation’s pride also managed to win by the same scoreline against Mbabane Swallows at Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday morning, where Ndzinisa scored another brace and the other goal by returning in-form Royal Leopard’s Junior ‘Shisa Gesi’ Magagula. Mbabane Swallows’ consolation goal came through the boot of the youthful and upcoming star Oscar Zitha.
It did not end there as the squad went on to play against Shiselweni-based side Nsingizini Hotpurs later in the day at King Sobhuza II Stadium.
Sihlangu beat Insingizi Yezulu 2-0 and again ‘Sikhali’ was on target. This means that he has scored in all three practice matches (five goals).
A number of fans took to facebook to voice their disappointment as they expected Sihlangu to play competitive friendly games.
“This is a circus. Honestly, you cannot expect the team to perform better when EFA is failing to organise proper friendly games. They are just concerned about the allowances. I will not be surprised if we lose against Somalia. You cannot take the best players from the teams and they play against them,” said one of the fans.
Eswatini Football Association Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi Radebe said this was part of the training programme but they would host a formal media briefing today at Lobamba Technical Centre.
“The coach will answer all questions and also outline the training programme in preparation for the upcoming matches. I am not in a good position to respond to your questions but I can only confirm that the national team was playing practice matches, not friendly games,” Radebe said.
Sihlangu is preparing for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers to be played in Morocco next Wednesday, before playing a return leg, tentatively at Mbombela Stadium a few days later.
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