Swazi Observer

FULL STORY

FELIX IN, SIKHALI OUT

By Nomalungelo Phiri | 2024-09-28

SOCCER - Green Mamba forward Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa has been dropped for former Eswatini international Felix Badenhorst after Sihlangu Seminkati head coach Zdravko Logarusic announced his maiden squad to face Mozambique in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers.

Sihlangu will play their away match against Mozambique on October 11 and the return leg on October 14. Logarusic, who took Zimbabwe to the 2021 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, said the two forwards (Ndzinisa and Badenhorst) were very experienced players but he could only take one.

Scared
“Sikhali has already played in two recent matches.
we want to give Felix a chance, who I believe Felix can also do the job. We also have Lindo Mkhonta, who will bring the experience we need at the back.

I haven’t been here for long, but we have tried our best to select a good team. We want to represent the country well and should not be scared of any team,” he said.

Another notable omission from the squad is Mbabane Swallows’ shot-stopper, Sandanezwe Mathabela. The seasoned shot stopper played in last fixtures against Guinea Bissau and Mali, which Sihlangu lost both by a 0-1 scoreline.

Nsingizini Hotspurs and 2023/24 season’s best goalkeeper, Sibusiso ‘Baraba’ Dlamini, is also a noticeable absentee. According to the list, the coach brought in Leopard shot stoppers, Ncamiso Dlamini and Mlamuli Makhanya. 8Bet Trade Fair Cup runners-up Moneni Pirates’ players, Sizwe Gwebu and Sisekelo Matsenjwa have been included.

Meanwhile, Young Buffaloes saw Sibonelo Sibandze, Sandile Gamedze, Bongwa Matsebula and Siboniso Ngwenya earn a call-up. New Mbabane Swallows signee Bongi Magagula is also given a chance to join the national team.

The 29 players will start full time for Mozambique’s clash at Lobamba technical Centre on Monday. The nation’s pride is currently rock-bottom in Group I.

Selected squad

Goalkeepers
1. Colani Gama (Green Mamba)
2. Mlamuli Makhanya (Royal Leopard)
3. Ncamiso Dlamini
Centre Backs
4. Sibongakonkhe Silenge (Green Mamba)
5. Lindo Mkhonta (ZESCO United, ZSL, Zambia)
6. Sikhumbuzo Magagula (Royal Leopards)
7. Kwezi Matsebula (Mbabane Highlanders)
8. Simanga Masangane (Royal Leopards)
Right backs
9. Sibonelo Sibandze (Young Buffaloes)
10. Mlamuli Msibi (Royal Leopards)
Left backs
11. Mxolisi Manana (Green Mamba)
12. Kwakhe Thwala (Mbabane Swallows)
Defensive midfielders
13. Mpendulo Tfomo (Manzini Sea Birds)
14. Sisekelo Matsenjwa (Moneni Pirates)
15. Siboniso Ngwenya (Young Buffaloes)
Attacking midfielders
16. Thubelihle Mavuso (Nsingizini Hotspurs)
17. Sifiso Matse (Royal Leopard)
18. Sizwe Gwebu (Moneni Pirates)
19. Junior Magagula (Royal Leopard)
20. Njabulo Thwala (Green Mamba)
21. Neliswa Dlamini (Nsingizini Hotspurs)
22. Sandile Gamedze (Young Buffaloes)
Right winger
23. Mthunzi Mkhonto (Green Mamba)
24. Ali Matse (Young Buffaloes)
Left wingers
25. Owa Matsebula (Young Buffaloes)
26. Bongi Magagula (Mbabane Swallows)
Strikers
27. Felix Badenhorst (Royal Leopard)
28. Justice Figareido (Richards Bay, PSL, South Africa
29. Mthokozisi Gwebu (Manzini Sea Birds)