By Siphiwo Dlamini
MBABANE- The Eswatini national football team, Sihlangu Semnikati, has named its squad for the 2025 COSAFA Senior Challenge, set to take place in Bloemfontein, South Africa, starting June 4. The selection notably excludes international-based players such as Justice Figuareido, Mxolisi Mkhonto, Banele Pupu Skhondze, and Lindo Mkhonto, with coach Zdravko Logarusic opting instead for a squad composed entirely of top local league players.
This decision emphasizes homegrown talent from Eswatini’s premier clubs. Key inclusions are Njabulo “D4d” Ndlovu of Green Mamba and Khanyakwezwe Shabalala of Nsingizini Hotspurs, both making a return to the national team. Xolani “Messi” Ngwenya from Moneni Pirates also earned a call-up, adding depth to the squad.
The team blends experienced campaigners with youthful vigor. Veterans like Felix Badenhorst, Sabelo “Sakhali” Ndzinisa, and Junior “Shisa” Magagula bring leadership, while young stars such as captain Kwakhe Tfwala, Neliswa “Tiger” Dlamini, and Mayibongwe “Suarez” Mabuza inject fresh energy. This mix aims to finally propel Eswatini beyond previous COSAFA Cup semifinal exits and inspire hope among fans.
The full squad includes
- Simanga Masangane – Royal Leopards FC
- Mzwanndile Mabelelsa – Royal Leopards FC
- Junior Magagula – Royal Leopards FC
- Gift Gamedze – Royal Leopards FC
- Felix Badenhorst – Royal Leopards FC
- Ayanda Kunene – Royal Leopards FC
- Fanelo Mamba – Young Buffaloes FC
- Innocent Dlamini – Young Buffaloes FC
- Xolani Gama – Green Mamba FC
- Njabulo Ndlovu – Green Mamba FC
- Sabelo Ndzinisa – Green Mamba FC
- Thabo Langa – Mbabane Highlanders FC
- Bongiswa Dlamini – Mbabane Swallows FC
- Newman Philiso – Mbabane Swallows FC
- Sambulo Simelane – Nsingizini Hotspurs FC
- Khanyakwzewe Shabalala – Nsingizini Hotspurs FC
- Kwakhle Tfwala – Nsingizini Hotspurs FC
- Neliswa Dlamini – Nsingizini Hotspurs FC
- Mayibongwe Mabuza – Sea Birds FC
- Philani Mkhontfo – Sea Birds FC
- Mthokozisi Gwebu – Sea Birds FC
- Mpendulo Thomo – Sea Birds FC
- Mthobisi Zwane – Moneni Pirates FC
- Xolani Ngwenya – Moneni Pirates FC
With preparations following the local league’s nearing conclusion, coach Logarusic remains confident in the squad’s potential to make a significant impact at the tournament hosted in Bloemfontein South Africa.
This COSAFA Cup campaign may well be the breakthrough Eswatini football has been waiting for, combining seasoned expertise with emerging talent to rekindle national pride and ambition on the regional stage.
