Three internationals for Sihlangu camp
By Sibusiso Masilela
Sihlangu interim head coach Sifiso ‘Nuro’Ntibane has called up three foreign-based players for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The ex-assistant coach has called up the trio of Lindo Mkhonta (Zesco United), Justice Figareido (Chippa United), and Mxolisi Mkhonto (Morapule Wanderers, Botswana).
Some of the notable new faces include MTN Premier League player of the season and Nsingizini Hotspurs playmaker Yekisizwe Khumalo.
The nation’s pride will take on Angola and Cape Verde next month in the last two fixtures under the guidance of the former Royal Leopards mentor.
Ntibane has replaced Croatian mentor Zdravko Logarusic, who was recently shown the exit door and is assisted by Mbabane Highlanders coach Ernest Mavuso. Ntibane confirmed the latest news when reached for comment.
“We will have three foreign-based players in the next FIFA World Cup qualifiers. We will announce other logistics in due course,” he said. The senior national side is currently rooted at the bottom of Group D with two points.
The full squad
Goalkeepers
Khanyakwezwe Shabalala- Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Xolani Gama – Green Mamba.
Mlamuli Makhanya- Royal Leopards.
Linda Mtsetfwa- Sea Birds.
Defenders
Gift Gamedze- Royal Leopards
Mzwandile Mabelesa- Royal Leopards.
Simanga Masangane- Royal Leopards.
Nkosingiphile Shongwe- Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Siphosethu Mabilisa-Young Buffaloes.
Sibonelo Sibandze- Young Buffaloes.
Newman Philiso- Mbabane Swallows
Lindo Mkhonta- Zesco United (Zambia).
Midfielders
Kwakhe Tfwala- Nsingizini Hotspurs
Neliswa Dlamini- Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Yekisizwe Khumalo- Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Thubelihle Mavuso- Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Mpendulo Tfomo- Sea Birds.
Junior Magagula- Royal Leopard
Mxolisi Mkhonto- Morapule Wanderers.
Bongwa Matsebula- Young Buffaloes.
Strikers
Muzi Tsabedze- Sea Birds.
Joseph Kibonga- Sea Birds
Philani Mkhonto- Sea Birds
Justice Figareido- Chippa United (South Africa)
Senanelo Nkhambule- Moneni Pirates.
Melusi Tfwala- Ubombo Sugar
