Swazi Observer

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MKHWELI, MAGAWUGAWU DROPPED FROM SIHLANGU

By Qondile Ntiwane | 2018-05-24

SOCCER – MBABANE Swallows left back Sanele Mkhweli and Moneni Pirates defender Menzi ‘Magawugawu’ Simelane have been dropped from Sihlangu.

The two, alongside Royal Leopard goalkeeper Phephisani Msibi and Young Buffaloes duo of Siboniso Mamba and Fanelo ‘Order’ Mamba, were not part of the squad named for the international friendly against Harambee Stars of Kenya.

The nation’s pride will lock horns with their Kenyan counterparts tomorrow.

The game will form part of the team’s preparations for the COSAFA Cup where they will take on Lesotho in a quarterfinal clash at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on June 2.

The team’s head coach Anthony Mdluli said during the team’s farewell function held at the National Football Association of Swaziland (NFAS) Technical Centre at Lobamba yesterday that they were hopeful the team would do well during the game.

“Firstly, we would like to thank the football association for making it possible to have this game. Playing Kenya is a big task, especially because they are ranked better than us in the FIFA rankings. As a result, we need to double our efforts in terms of performance. “Also the game will help us as we prepare for COSAFA. The last time we played was against Namibia hence this game will help us determine if we have improved and what we need to do going forward,” he said. The coach added that the squad comprised of different players and he was hopeful they would blend in time for the tournament. “Some players have two or three caps while others have plenty. I am hoping their experience will rub off on the others, as they all want to improve. As a coach I don’t have control over the team winning but we are hoping for the best,” he said. The team, led by NFAS executive member MP Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, left the country by road yesterday and will connect at the OR Tambo Airport, South Africa, for Nairobi tomorrow.

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