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Eswatini national football team facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
This page is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Eswatini women's national football team.
Quick facts for kids
Eswatini
Nickname(s) Sihlangu Semnikati (King's Shield)
Association Eswatini Football Association (EFA)
Confederation CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation COSAFA (Southern Africa)
Captain Mthunzi Mkhontfo
Most caps Sabelo Ndzinisa (72)
Top scorer Sabelo Ndzinisa (17)
Home stadium Somhlolo National Stadium
FIFA code SWZ
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 140 Increase 1 (7 February 2019)
Highest 88 (April–May 2017)
Lowest 190 (September–October 2012)
Elo ranking
Current NR (3 March 2019)
Highest 117 (25 June 2016)
Lowest 181 (2013)
First international
United Kingdom Swaziland 2–0 Malawi 
(Swaziland; 1 May 1968)
Biggest win
 Djibouti 0–6 Swaziland 
(Djibouti City, Djibouti; 9 October 2015)
Biggest defeat
 Egypt 10–0 Swaziland 
(Alexandria, Egypt; 22 March 2013)
COSAFA Cup
Appearances 19 (first in 1997)
Best result Third place
(2016, 2021)
Semi-finals
(1999, 2002, 2003)
Medal record
COSAFA Cup
Bronze 2016 Namibia Team
Bronze 2021 South Africa

The Eswatini national football team is the official football team for the country of Eswatini. They are often called Sihlangu Semnikati, which means "King's Shield" in their local language. This team plays for Eswatini (which used to be known as Swaziland) in international football games. The Eswatini Football Association manages the team.

Even though they've played many matches, the Eswatini team has never made it to the big World Cup or the Africa Cup of Nations finals. Their best result in a major international competition was reaching the semi-finals of the COSAFA Cup. In 2008, they won a World Cup qualifier for the first time since 1992, beating Togo 2–1 at home. The team also did well in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification, finishing second in their group.

History of the Eswatini Football Team

How the Team Started

The Eswatini national football team played its very first international match against Malawi. They won that game 2–0! For about ten years after that, the team mostly played against Malawi and Zambia. They didn't win any games from 1969 until 1984. That year, they finally got another win, beating Lesotho 3–1 in a friendly match at home.

After that win, Eswatini joined the 1986 African Cup of Nations qualifiers for the first time. They lost to Zimbabwe with a total score of 1–8 over two games. They also tried to qualify for the 1987 All-Africa Games, but again lost to Malawi.

The first time Eswatini got past the first round of a big competition was for the 1990 African Cup of Nations qualifiers. They beat Tanzania in a penalty shootout after the score was tied 2–2. In the next round, they faced Malawi again and were knocked out. Eswatini also played in the 1990 SADCC Tournament, reaching the semi-finals before losing to Zimbabwe in penalties. In the 1992 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, they beat Zambia 2–1 but didn't make it to the next stage.

Eswatini joined the 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the first time. They finished second in their group, behind Cameroon, so they didn't move on. For the 1998 World Cup qualifiers, they lost to Gabon twice and were out. They also struggled in the early COSAFA Cup tournaments. In the 1999 COSAFA Cup, they beat Mozambique and then Zimbabwe on penalties to reach the semi-finals. There, they lost to Namibia in a penalty shootout.

Eswatini Football in the 21st Century

In the early 2000s, Eswatini continued to try and qualify for major tournaments. They were knocked out of the 2002 World Cup qualifiers by Angola. They also lost to Kenya in the 2002 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

A good moment came in the 2002 COSAFA Cup. Eswatini qualified by beating Namibia and then beat Zimbabwe to reach the semi-finals. They lost to South Africa in that game. In the 2004 AFCON qualifiers, Eswatini finished third in their group, just missing out on qualifying.

In the years that followed, Eswatini often didn't get past the first qualifying rounds for big tournaments. However, in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification, they finished second in their group, ahead of Guinea, showing good improvement. In the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Eswatini had a big win against Djibouti, winning 8–1 over two games. But their hopes ended when they were beaten by Nigeria.

Recent Matches and Upcoming Games

Here are the results of the Eswatini national football team's matches from the last year, and any games they have planned for the future.

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

2023 Matches

2024 Matches

Coaches of the Team

Here's a list of the people who have coached the Eswatini national football team over the years. Caretakers (coaches who fill in temporarily) are shown in italics.

  • Romania Ted Dumitru (1983–85)
  • Eswatini Dumisa Mahlalela (1992–93)
  • Eswatini Scara Thindwa (1996)
  • Zambia Jan Simulambo (1997)
  • Zambia Francis Banda (1998–2000)
  • Eswatini Dumisa Mahlalela (2001–02)
  • Eswatini Mandla Dlamini (2003)
  • Zambia Francis Banda (2003)
  • Germany Werner Bicklehaput (2003)
  • Eswatini Dumisa Mahlalela (2004)
  • Zambia Francis Banda (2005)
  • Belgium Jan Van Winckel (2006)
  • Egypt Ayman El Yamani (2006–07)
  • Eswatini Martin Chabangu (2007)
  • Switzerland Raoul Savoy (2007–08)
  • South Africa Ephraim Mashaba (2008–10)
  • Eswatini Musa Zwane (2010–11)
  • Eswatini Obed Mlotsa (2011)
  • Eswatini Caleb Ngwenya (2011–12)
  • Belgium Valere Billen (2012–13)
  • Eswatini Harris Bulunga (2013–14)
  • Eswatini Harris Bulunga (2014–16)
  • Eswatini Anthony Mdluli (2017)
  • Netherlands Hendrik Pieter de Jongh (2017–18)
  • Eswatini Anthony Mdluli (2018)
  • Serbia Kosta Papić (2018–19)
  • Eswatini Dominic Kunene (2020–22)
  • Eswatini Dominic Kunene (2023–24)
  • Croatia Zdravko Logarušić (2024)
  • Eswatini Sifiso Ntibane (2024)

Players on the Team

Current Squad

These are the players who were chosen for the 2025 AFCON qualification matches in October 2024.

The numbers for how many games they've played (Caps) and goals they've scored are correct as of September 10, 2024, after the game against Mali.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Xolani Gama (1999-10-20) 20 October 1999 (age 25) 3 0 Eswatini Green Mamba
1GK Mlamuli Makhanya (1996-09-23) 23 September 1996 (age 28) 0 0 Eswatini Royal Leopards
2DF Lindo Mkhonta (1991-04-10) 10 April 1991 (age 34) 44 1 Zambia ZESCO United
2DF Kwakhe Thwala (2002-04-04) 4 April 2002 (age 23) 29 1 Eswatini Mbabane Swallows
2DF Mxolisi Manana (1994-01-31) 31 January 1994 (age 31) 15 0 Eswatini Green Mamba
2DF Sibongakhonkhe Silenge (2000-03-01) 1 March 2000 (age 25) 12 0 Eswatini Green Mamba
2DF Simanga Masangane (1997-05-09) 9 May 1997 (age 28) 8 0 Eswatini Royal Leopards
2DF Sibonelo Sibandze (1997-06-13) 13 June 1997 (age 28) 2 0 Eswatini Young Buffaloes
3MF Sifiso Matse (1993-05-14) 14 May 1993 (age 32) 51 4 Eswatini Royal Leopards
3MF Neliswa Dlamini (2002-12-28) 28 December 2002 (age 22) 23 0 Eswatini Mbabane Swallows
3MF Siboniso Ngwenya (1994-05-03) 3 May 1994 (age 31) 20 2 Eswatini Young Buffaloes
3MF Junior Magagula (1995-01-12) 12 January 1995 (age 30) 16 1 Eswatini Royal Leopards
3MF Thubelihle Mavuso (2001-10-06) 6 October 2001 (age 23) 7 0 Eswatini Nsingizini Hotspurs
3MF Sisekelo Matsenjwa (2002-11-23) 23 November 2002 (age 22) 5 0 Eswatini Young Buffaloes
3MF Sizwe Gwebu 0 0
4FW Sandile Gamedze (1994-12-03) 3 December 1994 (age 30) 42 8 Eswatini Young Buffaloes
4FW Fanelo Mamba (2001-10-29) 29 October 2001 (age 23) 36 6 Eswatini Young Buffaloes
4FW Mthunzi Mkhontfo (1993-12-28) 28 December 1993 (age 31) 33 3 Eswatini Green Mamba
4FW Bongwa Matsebula (1997-11-27) 27 November 1997 (age 27) 22 3 Eswatini Young Buffaloes
4FW Justice Figuareido (1998-07-28) 28 July 1998 (age 26) 17 1 South Africa Richards Bay
4FW Njabulo Thwala (1990-02-02) 2 February 1990 (age 35) 8 0 Eswatini Green Mamba
4FW Siyabonga Mthokozisi Gwebu (1994-06-30) 30 June 1994 (age 30) 4 0 Eswatini Manzini Sea Birds

Recent Call-ups

These players were also called to play for Eswatini in the last 12 months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Mathabela Sandanzwe (1989-09-09) 9 September 1989 (age 35) 40 0 Eswatini Mbabane Swallows v.  Mali; 10 September 2024
GK Sibusiso Dlamini (2000-10-10) 10 October 2000 (age 24) 2 0 Eswatini Nsingizini Hotspurs 2024 COSAFA Cup
GK Siyabonga Magagula 0 0 Eswatini Ezulwini United 2024 COSAFA Cup
GK Ncamiso Dlamini (1989-10-19) 19 October 1989 (age 35) 17 0 Eswatini Royal Leopards v.  Mauritius; 11 June 2024
GK Khanyakwezwe Shabalala (1993-09-23) 23 September 1993 (age 31) 5 0 Eswatini Mbabane Highlanders v.  Somalia; 26 March 2024
DF Gift Gamedze (1999-09-07) 7 September 1999 (age 25) 5 0 Eswatini Madlenya v.  Mali; 10 September 2024
DF Vusi Vilakati (2001-05-07) 7 May 2001 (age 24) 4 0 Eswatini Mbabane Highlanders v.  Mali; 10 September 2024
DF Newman Philiso (2003-11-11) 11 November 2003 (age 21) 3 0 Eswatini Mbabane Swallows v.  Mali; 10 September 2024
DF Nkhosingiphile Shongwe (2001-07-19) 19 July 2001 (age 23) 2 0 Eswatini Nsingizini Hotspurs v.  Mali; 10 September 2024
DF Colani Dlamini (1999-02-27) 27 February 1999 (age 26) 0 0 Eswatini Green Mamba 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Siphosethu Mabilisa (2000-09-19) 19 September 2000 (age 24) 0 0 Eswatini Mbabane Swallows 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Nkosingiphile Silenge 0 0 Eswatini Green Mamba 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Samkelo Ginindza (1992-09-18) 18 September 1992 (age 32) 4 0 Eswatini Moneni Pirates v.  Cape Verde, 21 November 2023
MF Mpendulo Lungelo Tfomo (2000-03-17) 17 March 2000 (age 25) 2 0 Eswatini Mbabane Highlanders v.  Mali; 10 September 2024
MF Leon Manyisa (1999-06-03) 3 June 1999 (age 26) 9 0 Eswatini Mbabane Swallows 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Innocent Dlamini (1998-12-08) 8 December 1998 (age 26) 3 0 Eswatini Green Mamba 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Bongiswa Dlamini (2001-04-04) 4 April 2001 (age 24) 0 0 Eswatini Young Buffaloes 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Mxolisi Mkhontfo (1993-08-08) 8 August 1993 (age 31) 19 1 Eswatini Green Mamba v.  Mauritius; 11 June 2024
MF Mzwandile Mabelesa (1993-04-21) 21 April 1993 (age 32) 37 0 Eswatini Royal Leopards v.  Mauritius; 11 June 2024
MF Njabulo Magagula (1995-08-07) 7 August 1995 (age 29) 4 0 Eswatini Green Mamba v.  Cape Verde, 21 November 2023
FW Sabelo Ndzinisa (1991-07-31) 31 July 1991 (age 33) 69 17 Eswatini Green Mamba v.  Mali; 10 September 2024
FW Philane Thabo Mkhontfo (1995-04-04) 4 April 1995 (age 30) 21 1 Eswatini Mbabane Highlanders v.  Mali; 10 September 2024
FW Ayanda Gadlela (1998-07-01) 1 July 1998 (age 26) 7 0 Eswatini Mbabane Swallows 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Sizolwethu Shabalala (1996-08-05) 5 August 1996 (age 28) 7 0 Eswatini Mbabane Swallows 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Sambulo Simelane (2001-06-07) 7 June 2001 (age 24) 2 0 Eswatini Nsingizini Hotspurs 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Sibonginkhosi Dlamini (1990-11-21) 21 November 1990 (age 34) 0 0 Eswatini Nsingizini Hotspurs 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Wandile Simelane (1996-10-09) 9 October 1996 (age 28) 0 0 Eswatini Moneni Pirates 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Neliso Myeni (1992-06-19) 19 June 1992 (age 33) 2 0 Eswatini Nsingizini Hotspurs v.  Somalia; 26 March 2024

Player Records

Here are some records for the Eswatini national football team's players. Players whose names are in bold are still playing for the team.

Most Games Played

Most appearances
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Tony Tsabedze 71 8 2003–2018
2 Sabelo Ndzinisa 69 17 2012–present
3 Sifiso Matse 53 4 2017–present
4 Mxolisi Mthethwa 52 3 1998–2010
5 Wonder Nhleko 48 5 2001–2018
6 Lindo Mkhonta 46 1 2018–present
7 Machawe Dlamini 44 1 2011–2019
Sandile Gamedze 44 8 2018–present
9 Dennis Masina 42 2 1999–2011
10 Felix Badenhorst 41 15 2008–2021

Top Goal Scorers

Top goalscorers
Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Sabelo Ndzinisa 17 69 0.25 2012–present
2 Felix Badenhorst 15 43 0.35 2008–2021
3 Mfanzile Dlamini 9 35 0.26 1998–2009
Siza Dlamini 9 39 0.23 1997–2010
5 Sandile Gamedze 8 44 0.18 2018–present
Tony Tsabedze 8 71 0.11 2003–2018
7 Fanelo Mamba 6 38 0.16 2018–present
8 Wonder Nhleko 5 48 0.1 2001–2018
9 Sidumo Shongwe 4 8 0.5 2011–2014
Sandile Hlatjwako 4 15 0.27 2014–2017
Sifiso Matse 4 53 0.08 2017–present

Tournament History

Eswatini has played in many big football tournaments. Here's a quick look at how they've done.

FIFA World Cup

The Eswatini national team has tried to qualify for the FIFA World Cup several times. They first entered the qualifiers for the 1994 World Cup. So far, they haven't managed to make it to the final World Cup tournament.

Africa Cup of Nations

Eswatini has also regularly tried to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which is the biggest football tournament in Africa. They started trying in 1986. Like the World Cup, they haven't yet qualified for the main tournament.

COSAFA Cup

Main article: COSAFA Cup

The COSAFA Cup is a regional tournament for teams in Southern Africa. Eswatini has had its best results in this competition. They have reached the semi-finals three times (in 1999, 2002, and 2003). They also finished in third place twice, in 2016 and 2021, which are their best finishes in the tournament!

Year COSAFA Cup record
Result Pld W D L GF GA
1997 First round 1 0 0 1 0 1
1998 Quarter-finals 1 0 0 1 0 1
1999 Semi-finals 3 1 2 0 5 3
2000 Quarter-finals 1 0 0 1 0 2
2001 Quarter-finals 2 0 1 1 1 2
2002 Semi-finals 3 2 0 1 5 5
2003 Semi-finals 2 1 0 1 2 2
2004 Quarter-finals 1 0 0 1 0 5
2005 First round 1 0 0 1 0 3
2006 First round 2 1 0 1 2 1
2007 First round 2 1 1 0 1 0
South Africa 2008 First round 3 1 2 0 3 2
Zimbabwe 2009 First round 3 2 0 1 5 2
Zambia 2013 First round 3 0 1 2 0 4
South Africa 2015 First round 3 2 1 0 4 1
Namibia 2016 Third place 6 3 2 1 9 7
South Africa 2017 Quarter-finals 2 0 0 2 1 3
South Africa 2018 Quarter-finals 2 0 0 2 0 3
South Africa 2019 First round 2 0 2 0 4 4
South Africa 2020 Cancelled
South Africa 2021 Third place 6 2 3 1 8 6
South Africa 2022 Quarter-finals 4 2 2 0 7 2
Total 21/21 53 18 17 18 57 59

Team Achievements

Regional Awards

  • COSAFA Cup
    • Third place (2 times): 2016, 2021

See also

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