Mashaba hit by skipper’s injury
Mashaba hit by skipper’s injury
Posted: 2009-10-13 17:02
Swaziland national team coach Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba has suffered a blow with the news that Sihlangu captain Dennis Fakudze has been ruled out of the squad travelling to Zimbabwe for the Cosafa Cup.
The Royal Leopards right-back sustained an ankle injury during the squad’s afternoon training session at the Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday, reports the Swaziland Times.
‘Denmark’ pulled out of the team and will join the goalkeeper Njabuliso Simelane on the sidelines. Simelane has failed a fitness test.
Other players who will not make the trip are Mhlambanyatsi Rovers’ speedy striker Mzwandile Ndzimandze and Young Buffaloes’ exciting winger Sifiso ‘Bhiya’ Mazibuko.
Mashaba was happy though to welcome back goalkeeper Thokozani Mkhulisi and Mxolisi ‘Stopper’ Mthethwa from injury.
Also making a late entry in the team was Young Buffaloes’ playmaker Malungisa ‘Hurrah’ Dlamini, one of the players who had missed the morning training session.
The team leaves with two goalkeepers Thokozani Mkhulisi and Sandile Ginindza. The former dislodged Young Buffaloes’ Sibusiso ‘Baraba’ Mabuza, who was hoping to earn his first cap.
What is also ironic about the team is that it leaves without any of the country’s internationals whose teams refused to release them for the tournament that is not Fifa-sanctioned.
Mashaba had already braced himself to go for the tournament without any of the internationals as early as yesterday morning.
“I have put my focus on this team and I am ready to go without any of the internationals. At least that is the situation we have to face,” he said.
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