By Mgcini Dube | 2025-03-11

FORMER Mbabane Swallows and Mbabane Highlanders industrious midfielder Banele 'Pupu' Sikhondze has made a return to the national team set-up.
This was revealed during a press briefing, where Sihlangu Semnikati head coach Zdravko Logarusic named the tentative squad to represent the country in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2026 next week.
The nation's pride will face-off Cameroon on March 19 before welcoming Mauritius. Both legs will be played at Mbombela Stadium in South Africa.
The Croatian-born gaffer brought back Banele Sikhondze, while Mbabane Highlanders' ever-consistent Thabo Langa and Manzini Sea Birds pacey forward Mayibongwe 'Suarez' Mabuza also got their first senior national team call-up. The coach further recalled experienced players and internationals Mxolisi Mkhonto, Lindo Mkhonta and Justice Figuareido.

Missing out in the squad is Nsingizini Hotspurs' best performer Thubelihle Mavuso and Moneni Pirates defensive midfielder Sisekelo 'Rio' Matsenjwa, who were part of the team that played in CHAN Qualifers last year at Lucas Moripe Stadium in South Africa, Pretoria. The squad is expected to report for full-time camp tomorrow.
The coach said he was certain that the players selected will do their level best to ensure a great performance. He added that the players were selected by merit.
“Yes, some were dropped but that was to open space for others. This time around I have brought back experience, which will complement the other players I have so much faith in. We are going to start camp and prepare for the upcoming games,” he said.

THE SQUAD:
Goalkeepers
Xolani Gama (Green Mamba)
Mlungisi Nxumalo (Young Buffaloes)
Mlamuli Makhanya (Royal Leopard)
Defenders:
Gift Gamedze (Royal Leopard)
Mzwandile (Royal Leopard)
Fanelo Mamba (Young Buffaloes)
Newman Philiso (Mbabane Swallows)
Thabo Langa (Mbabane Highlanders)
Lindo Mkhonta (Zesco United)
Midfielders:
Simanga Masangane (Royal Leopard)
Kwakhe Thwala (Nsingizini Hotspurs)
Neliswa Dlamini (Nsinginzini Hotspurs)
Junior Magagula (Royal Leopard)
Innocent Dlamini (Young Buffaloes)
Philani Mkhonto (Manzini Sea Birds)
Banele Sikhondze (Tabora United)
Mxolisi Mkhonto (Jwaneng Galaxy)
Forwards:
Bongi Magagula (Mbabane Swallows)
Felix Badernhorst (Royal Leopard)
Sabelo Ndzinisa (Green Mamba)
Justice Figgareido (Richards Bay)
Mthokozisi Gwebu (Manzini Sea Birds)
Sambulo Simelane (Nsingizini Hotspurs)

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