NEW and young blood has been injected into the Sihlangu squad currently in camp for the 2025 COSAFA Cup.
This follows the additions of South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) AmaZulu attacker Alakhe ‘Smiley’ Mdluli and Thomas ‘Tommy’ Morgan, who plays for Eversley and California in England. The duo is already in camp and among the internationals called up for the regional showpiece, which kicks off this week in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Mdluli, a product of the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Build-It Under-13 tournament, made his AmaZulu debut in September last year in the Multichoice Diski Challenge against Orlando Pirates and captains the Glenwood High football team.
At Glenwood, the 18-year-old is the fulcrum around which the team is built. The youngster is both a goal-scorer and provider, operating in various positions including winger, inverted winger, central attacking midfielder and striker.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Morgan plays as a wide midfielder for Eversley and California, a football club based in Eversley, Hampshire, England. They currently compete in the Combined Counties League Division One and play at the Eversley Sports Association ground and complex.
The duo is already in camp and joins the long list of players in the initial tentative squad. Also joining camp is South Africa PSL side Richards Bay striker Justice ‘Figa’ Figareido, while Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze of Tambora United reportedly arrived yesterday and will begin training today ahead of the team’s departure on Saturday.
Sihlangu begin their 2025 COSAFA Cup journey on Monday against Madagascar at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium before facing guest nation Tanzania on June 11 at the Toyota Stadium, one of the host venues during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
“All the players are now in camp. We had one injury to ‘Order’ (Fanelo Mamba), otherwise the rest of the squad is okay and ready to compete. The competition for places is very high, even at training,” Sihlangu assistant coach Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane said after leading the players on a tour of eMlembe Beverages, the official hydration partners of Sihlangu.
Ntibane added that international football always demands results and assured that his boys will perform to the expected level. “These are youngsters and we do not want to put them under pressure. We are just recognising them and their growth in the game. Ours is to give them support and a platform in a tournament like COSAFA, upgrading from the national Under-20s. They are part of the squad’s succession plan and progression,” Ntibane said on his new squad additions.
He said all the players named in the tentative squad are still part of the team and the travelling squad will be released before departure on Saturday. He emphasised that even if a player does not make the cut, it does not mean he is out of the picture but remains part of the Sihlangu pool for upcoming games.
Meanwhile, EFA Chief Executive Officer Frederick Mngomezulu said Zdravko Logarusic is still the Sihlangu coach and will return today.
“He will be in camp from tomorrow (today) as he went home. The coach was very much part of the squad selection and commented on the squad and the COSAFA draw from where he was, which means he is involved in all the team’s preparations,” Mngomezulu clarified.
Logarusic, a Croatian national, was appointed by the EFA in late 2024. He holds a Pro Licence and has coaching experience in Africa, Europe and Asia. His previous roles include managing the national teams of Sudan and Zimbabwe, as well as various clubs such as Asante Kotoko, AFC Leopards, and Gor Mahia.
