Swazi Observer

FULL STORY

‘LOCAL PLAYER’S AT PAR WITH INTERNATIONAL STARS’

By MGCINI DUBE | 2025-03-21

SOCCER - ESWATINI international and Richards Bay forward, Justice ‘Figa’ Figareido, believes that locally-based players are not lagging behind their internationally based counterparts, stating that they were at par in terms of performance and commitment.

The Betway Premiership-based player made these remarks following Eswatini’s hard-fought goalless draw against African powerhouse Cameroon at Mbombela Stadium,South Africa on Wednesday evening.

‘Figa,’ who has been playing in South Africa for several years, praised the level of play exhibited by his locally-based teammates during the encounter. Other international players, who featured in the squad, include Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze, Lindo Mkhonta and Mxolisi Mkhonto.

“I can confidently say that the local boys do not need to catch up with us international players when it comes to playing for the national team. Their performances showed that they are on the same level as us. I think we played really well today and it was a good result for us as a country,” he said.

He further commended the locally-based players for their willingness to learn from those playing abroad, which he believes enhances the team's overall cohesion.

Meanwhile, fellow internationally-based player Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze, who plies his trade in Tanzania for Tsabora, expressed his delight at returning to the national team setup after a long absence.

“I am very happy to be back playing for the national team, as it is every player’s dream to do so. I would like to thank the coaching staff for bringing me back into the fold and I am grateful to be playing with this group of talented players,” he said.

Eswatini’s spirited performance against Cameroon is expected to boost the team’s confidence as they continue with their preparations for upcoming international fixtures.

share story