SOCCER – Senior national team Sihlangu Semnikati will host Eritrea in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preliminary qualifiers at the Somhlolo National Stadium, government has officially confirmed.
The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Communications Officer Phumaphi Msweli revealed that the venue would host the eagerly awaited clash next month.
The news quashes long-standing fears that Sihlangu would be forced to seek CAF-approved stadiums in neighbouring South Africa — a move that would have stripped the squad of crucial home-ground advantage.
“Yes, it is true that Sihlangu will play its home game at Somhlolo National Stadium,” Msweli said.
“Having been allowed to use the stadium on a provisional basis last year, the ministry is currently working on the recommendations from the CAF inspection. Some have already been met, including the spectators’ doctors’ room.”
Msweli added that the ministry remains committed to the proper use of the facility to ensure it remains functional and sustainable.
ALSO READ | Somhlolo’s E10 000 charge makes sense
Meanwhile, government officially reopened the refurbished stadium for public use last week. Minister of Sport, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima confirmed a £450 (E10 000) user fee, approved by the Ministry of Finance, as a measure to ensure sustainable maintenance.
The reopening follows rehabilitation works exceeding £5.5 million (E120 million). These include CAF-compliant upgrades such as a FIFA-standard artificial pitch, modern floodlights, a media tribune and improved VVIP facilities.
Securing this approval is seen as a major boost for Sihlangu, as playing in front of a home crowd is viewed as pivotal for qualification hopes.
However, the new price tag has drawn criticism from local clubs.
Several teams indicated they would rather continue hosting domestic matches at venues such as Mavuso Sports Centre, where costs are significantly lower.
Eritrea, by contrast, will host their ‘home’ leg in Tunisia. Sihlangu Manager Dumsani ‘Du’ Sibandze revealed that the squad would soon begin preparations for the 2027 AFCON preliminary round.
“It is important to highlight that the away game in this tie will be played outside Eritrea, as they currently lack a FIFA-accredited stadium.
“The return match will be played at the renovated Somhlolo.
“Having the home leg here is vital; it gives the boys the support they need to progress,” he said.
Sibandze congratulated the players and officials who received call-ups for the fixture.
“All those selected should understand that it is a huge privilege to wear the national jersey; it is certainly not a right. It does not mean there are no other equally talented players, but coaches must pick a squad,” he noted in his weekly column.
Sihlangu Squad
Goalkeepers
-
Mlamuli Makhanya – Royal Leopards
-
Khanyakwezwe Shabalala – Nsingizini Hotspurs
-
Ciniso Nyawo – Moneni Pirates
-
Siyabonga Magagula – Ezulwini United
Defenders
-
Gift Gamedze – Royal Leopards
-
Simanga Masangane – Royal Leopards
-
Nkosingphile Shongwe – Nsingizini Hotspurs
-
Newman Philiso – Mbabane Swallows
-
Siphosethu Mabilisa – Young Buffaloes
-
Mpendulo Simelane – Ezulwini United
-
Siyabonga Mkhonto – Mbabane Highlanders
-
Sizwe Khumalo – Nsingizini Hotspurs
-
Junior Magagula – Royal Leopards
Midfielders
-
Innocent Dlamini – Young Buffaloes
-
Mpendulo Tfomo – Manzini Sea Birds
-
Innocent Pakula – Moneni Pirates
-
Thubelihle Mavuso – Nsingizini Hotspurs
-
Philani Mkhonto – Manzini Sea Birds
-
Bongwa Matsebula – Young Buffaloes
Strikers
-
Joseph Kibonge – Manzini Sea Birds
-
Hleliso Gamedze – Royal Leopards
-
Malangeni Dlamini – Tabankulu Celtics
-
Njongo Mazibuko – Mbabane Swallows
