Türkiye striker Mbuli headlines Sihlangu squad
The Eswatini Football Association unveiled a 23-man team for Malta friendly, including a debutant.
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) announced a 23-player squad for the national team, Sihlangu Semnikati, to face Malta in an international friendly next Thursday. Türkiye-based striker Sithandiwe Mbuli, who plays for Narlıdere Belediye Spor, headlines the call-up and is set to make his national team debut. The squad announcement occurred yesterday around 5:00 pm via a press release from the EFA.
Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, stated in parliament during the first quarter of the financial year that the government would seek emaSwati players in the diaspora to improve national team performance. Interim Coach Dominic Kunene has made 11 changes from the squad that lost to Eritrea in March during the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. EFA CEO Frederick Mngomezulu explained the squad announcement delay was due to finalising logistical requirements for the team's first European trip, including securing passports and visas.
Sihlangu will depart on Monday for Malta, with the match scheduled for Thursday at 6:30 pm. Separately, the National Under-23 squad is in camp, though some players are taking examinations. Algeria is expected to arrive Monday night for the first leg of their Under-23 AFCON preliminary tie against Eswatini on Wednesday at Somhlolo National Stadium, with a 4pm kick-off.
Why it mattersEmaSwati football players, both at home and abroad, are directly affected by national team selections and upcoming international matches.