Swazi Observer

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NO HARD FEELINGS - ‘ROMARIO’

By NOMALUNGELO PHIRI | 2024-12-20

SOCCER - CAPITAL city side Mbabane Swallows Goalkeeper Bongiswa ‘Romario’ Dlamini says he is not disappointed in his omission from the Sihlangu squad as he respects Head Coach Zdrakvo Logarusic’s decision.

The shot-stopper was dropped from the squad that travelled to South African to take part in the CHAN Qualifiers match against Madagascar tomorrow.

Dlamini received his first call-up in the national team set-up but could not make the cut for the final squad that left the country yesterday.

The Msunduza-born goal-minder insists that he has no hard feelings about being omitted from the team and will continue to support the team as they take on Madagascar at Lucas Moripe Stadium tomorrow.

“I am not disappointed at all. I am still a young player and I just have to continue working hard. What I can say is that I respect the coach’s decision,” he said.

Dlamini said he appreciated the opportunity of being called in the initial squad.
“I support the squad all the way. Obviously I felt bad after I was dropped but I do not have anything against the coaches.

As a player, I will keep on pushing, hoping that my chance will come. There are things I want to achieve personally as well as with the team.
So, I have to push myself and try to improve in every game.”

Meanwhile, a source within Sihlangu said Manzini Sea Birds defender Ndumiso Ndaba and Royal Leopard defender Mlamuli Msibi have also been dropped form the squad.

"Bongiswa, Mlamuli and 'Tower' are not part of team.
The team has already left via Ngwenya Boarder Gate and the head of delegation is Manzini Regional Football Association (MRFA) Chairman Vusi Hall,” said the source.

Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Communications and Marketing Officer Muzi Radebe said he was not aware of anything happening in the national team since he was already in South Africa.
“I am not aware of what is going on that side.

I cannot comment much,” he said.
Both Madagascar and Eswatini are eager to secure their spot in the next round, with the first leg ending in a tightly contested draw.

The match between Eswatini and Madagascar is critical, with the winner advancing to the CHAN finals scheduled for February 1-28 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Qualified nations will contest for the coveted US$2 million.

For Sihlangu Semnikati, the second leg represents a critical opportunity to capitalise on home advantage - albeit at a neutral venue in South Africa.

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