THE latest squad announcement for Eswatini national football team has sparked excitement and healthy debate among local football followers.
Yet beyond the discussions and opinions, one thing stands clear: the inclusion of fresh, bold talent in the national set-up is both timely and well deserved.
National team call-ups should never be about favouritism or reputation alone. They should reward performance, discipline and consistency. That is precisely why the inclusion of Malangeni Dlamini and Hleliso Gamedze deserves appreciation. These players have earned their places through hard work and exceptional displays for their respective clubs.
Hleliso Gamedze’s call-up, in particular, is long overdue. While some may speculate that his selection is influenced by his move to Royal Leopards, it would be unfair to reduce his achievement to club affiliation. Gamedze has been knocking on the national team door through his performances long before his recent move. His consistency in front of goal and overall contribution on the pitch made his selection inevitable. It was only a matter of time before the national selectors could no longer overlook his impact.
Malangeni Dlamini’s story is even more inspiring. In his first season in the elite league, he has announced himself in emphatic fashion. Just 18 games into his debut campaign, he has earned a national team call-up. That is highly commendable. It speaks volumes about his work ethic, confidence and maturity.
To transition so smoothly into top-flight football and quickly become one of the league’s top scorers is no small feat. His selection sends a powerful message to young footballers across the country that excellence will always be recognised.
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Both Malangeni and Gamedze currently rank among the league’s leading goal scorers. Goals win matches and strikers who consistently find the back of the net deserve national attention. Their presence injects energy, hunger and ambition into Sihlangu’s attacking department.
However, while celebrating these inclusions, one cannot ignore the disappointment surrounding the omission of Senanelo Nkambule from Moneni Pirates.
Without questioning the technical team’s criteria, Nkambule’s performances since the start of the season have been impressive. His consistency and influence in matches suggest that he has made a strong case for selection. Football is competitive and difficult decisions must be made, but his omission has certainly raised eyebrows among supporters.
Still, it is encouraging to see a deliberate shift towards youth. Football is a game of evolution and every generation must eventually make way for the next. Veteran striker Sabelo Ndzinisa, affectionately known as ‘Sikhali’, recently acknowledged that time waits for no one and that new blood must take over.
His sentiments reflect maturity and understanding of the game’s natural progression. Experience remains valuable, but youthful energy is equally vital.
Sihlangu now turns its focus to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preliminary qualifier against the Eritrea national football team.
The first leg will be played in Tunisia due to Eritrea’s lack of a CAF-accredited stadium, while the return leg will take place at Somhlolo National Stadium. These matches present a golden opportunity for the new-look squad to prove their worth.
It would be a mistake to underestimate Eritrea simply because they are not ranked in the FIFA standings. In football, complacency can be costly. Sihlangu must approach the encounter with seriousness, discipline and tactical awareness. Thorough preparation will be key to ensuring progression to the next stage.
For the players selected, this is a moment of pride and responsibility. Representing one’s country is the ultimate honour in football. They must seize this opportunity with both hands and give their all for the badge and the nation.
Congratulations to those who made the squad. And to those who did not, the message is simple: keep working hard. In football, perseverance often separates those who dream from those who achieve.
