By Sibusiso Masilela | 2020-11-01

Soccer - Sitsebe Semhlekazi head coach Dumisani 'DU' Makhanya has missed the trip to the 2020 Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Cup senior women championships.

The coach was left out of the 27 member squad that travelled to South Africa yesterday for the annual women showpiece to be staged at Port Elizabeth due to work commitments at His Majesty's Correctional Services (HMCS).

Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi Radebe confirmed that the coach did not make the trip. He also disclosed that they followed all proper procedure to request the coach from his employers.

“Sitsebe will not be travelling with their head coach who had to stay behind due to work commitments.

“We did put in a request for his services like we always do when requesting players and staff for national duty,” he said.

On the other hand, HMCS Public Relations Officer Gugulethu Dlamini said they had not received any request from the EFA for Makhanya’s services.

“We did not receive any formal application, otherwise we would have released him for national team duty,” she said.

The nation’s pride will now be guided by the trio of Nonhlanhla Shoulder, Fisiwe Hlophe and Bongumusa ‘Giggs’ Mdluli.

The squad captain, Nokuthula Dlamini, said they would give a good fight during the competition.

This was during the squad’s farewell function held at the EFA Technical Centre in Lobamba.

Meanwhile, EFA Vice President Dr Comfort Shongwe implored the team to hoist the country’s flag during the games. EFA executive member Sonnyboy Mabuza will lead the delegation during the international assignments. Other members of the delegation include Jocky Ferera as team manager, Sijabulisile Shabangu as COVID -19 compliance officer and Funda Dlamini as security officer.

Sitsebe will begin their journey on Tuesday with a clash against Comoros before taking on Banyana Banyana then Angola.

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