eSwatini squad for Cosafa Men’s Under-17 Championship

eSwatini coach Gcina Dlamini has finalised his squad for the Cosafa Men’s Under-17 Championships after naming an 18-man selection for the competition in Blantyre, Malawi, from Friday until October 20.

eSwatini were a late entry into the competition after the withdrawal of Botswana and are looking to build on past solid displays at the regional showpiece event.

Compared to many teams, Dlamini has selected an older group, with most 16-years-old, and that may well give them an advantage in their matches.

Other teams have opted to rather build towards the 2021 Africa Under-17 Championship qualifiers and have players as young as 13, but many in the 14- and 15-year-old bracket.

eSwatini will open their Group A campaign against 2017 winners Zambia on October 12, before a meeting with hosts Malawi two days later. They complete their pool play against South Africa on October 16.

eSwatini have had mixed fortunes over the years in this competition.

They missed out on qualifying in 2017 but returned for the 2018 edition, claiming a pool stage win over Zimbabwe (3-2), but losses to Angola (0-4) and Malawi (0-1) saw them exit the competition early.

eSwatini squad:

Goalkeepers: Junior Tsabedze, Mfanukhona Magagula

Defenders: Phumlani Zwane, Njabuliso Mkhatshwa, Siphephelo Philiso, Siphelele Dvuba, Bongani Mhlanga, Lihle Mnisi, Mpendulo Makhanya

Midfielders: Phumlani Shongwe, Siza Mabila, Lungelo Magongo, Thulani Lukhele, Colani Dvuba, Yandiswa Kunene, Kelvin Kunene

Strikers: Khayalethu Zitha, Mukelo Nkambule.

In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo