Eswatini aim for success at COSAFA Cup with increased inclusion of players based abroad

The Eswatini team poses for a photo during a promotional event. Photo: Eswatini Football Association/Facebook

The Eswatini national team is known for punching above expectations and Sihlangu Semnikati are eager to make an impact at the upcoming 2025 COSAFA Cup.

While there are several experienced campaigners in the team's squad for the competition, a notable theme this time around is the increased involvement of players who play their club football outside Eswatini and the COSAFA region.

Recognizable names with plenty of COSAFA Cup and national team experience include playmaker Felix Badenhorst, forward Justice Figuareido who plays in South Africa's top flight with Richards Bay, and striker Sabelo Ndzinisa.

Players based abroad include Tommy Morgan, who spent a few years with Spanish club Malaga before recently signing a professional contract in English lower division football. Morgan joins Figuareido and Banele Sikhondze, who playes with Tanzania top tier side Tabora United. Morgan spoke about his call at a promotional event the Eswatini side took part in for national team sponsor Emlembe.

Also included for his first opportunity with the senior national team is forward Alakhe Mdluli, who plays with South African top flight side AmaZulu and scored twice for the under-20 national team last year at the COSAFA U-20 Championship. Botswana-based midfielder Mxolisi Mkhonto will also join the squad soon once he arrives from club Jwaneng Galaxy.

"The spirit is fine in camp and preparations are ongoing well with the players," said Eswatini assistant Sifiso Ntibane in comments recorded by Chris Dlamini of Eswatini Daily News. Ntibane is in charge of preparations until senior national team head coach Zdravko Logarušić arrives to assume command ahead of the team's Group C opener against Madagascar next Monday.

Guest invitees Tanzania is the other nation in Group C, where only the group winner will advance to the semifinals. Eswatini's best-ever finish at the COSAFA Cup is third place, achieved at the 2016 and 2021 editions.