MANZINI – Brave Warriors coach, Ricardo Mannetti has named the starting 11 for the international friendly match against Swaziland on Thursday, with three players making their debut in the starting line-up.
Kick-off for the match in Manzini, Swaziland was originally scheduled for 18h00 but has now been changed to 17h00.
Speaking to Nampa on Thursday in Manzini, Mannetti said despite the match being a friendly he has stuck to the more experienced players to start the match as they are still looking for a win against their counterparts.
He said Edward Maova will be in the goalposts, while the defence will consist of Charles Hambira, Ferdinand Karongee, Riaan Hanamub, with Tjiuana Tja Tjinotjiua making his second appearance.
Captain Ronald Ketjijere will lead the team from midfield along with Petrus Shitembi, who will be joined by debutants Ikuaterua Hoveka and Marcel Papama to complete the midfield quartet.
Itamunua Keimuine will be joined upfront by Mapenzi Muwanei, who will also be making his second appearance for the national team, with the coach saying he hopes the two players can unsettle Swaziland by scoring first.
“If we score first, then they will open up as they try to chase the game. That will allow us to score two or even three more goals and kill the match off,” Mannetti said.
The coach stated that all 21 players who travelled will get a chance to play.
“Our goal of wanting to give the young players game time on the day remains the same. This is an international friendly which is not an International Federation of Football Associations match, so it gives us a chance to give all our boys an opportunity to play,” he said.
The senior national team arrived in Swaziland Wednesday night for the match that will form part of celebrations for Swaziland’s 50th independence and King Mswati III’s 50th birthday. – Nampa
