By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – The country’s cricket men’s team will face Nigeria, Botswana, Sierra Leone, St Helena and Cote d’Ivoire in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier.
The tournament to be held I Abuja, Nigeria will be played from Saturday to Thursday (November 23 to 28) at the NCF Oval Moshood Abiola Stadium Package B. The team that left the country for Abuja comprise of 14 players, Coach and the team manager.
The Coach of the team is Sohail Khan while Mandla Dlamini is the team Manager. The players are Adil Butt (Captain), Buhle Dlamini, Javid Suleman, Joseph Wright, Umair Qasim, Muhammad Amin, Minhaz Khorbariya, Melusi Magagula, Rohan Sandeep, Mancoba Jele, Mohammed Alangir, Veli Jele, Tarun Sandeep and Thandolwethu Dlamini.
“Our boys will face fierce competition against five other talented African nations, the hosts Nigeria, Botswana, Sierra Leone, St Helena and Cote d’Ivoire. This even is a crucial part of the ICC Regional pathway with an opportunity for two nations to secure a spot in the Africa Final,” reads a statement from the Eswatini Cricket Association (ECA).
Eswatini team will open their campaign against Botswana on Saturday and Saint Helena will be next according to the fixture.
Eswatini Vice Captain Mancoba Jele said they were looking forward to positive results in the tournament.
“This is more than just cricket; it’s about fair play, respect and enjoying the beautiful game together. To my fellow players, official and fan, let’s make this tournament unforgettable by embracing the true spirit of the game,” he said.
Eswatini affiliated with the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2007 and it has been carving its path in the international cricket. Eswatini is ranked 82 in the ICC T20I rankings.
