Eswatini coach Zdravko Logarušić has urged his side to seize the moment and write history by qualifying for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals.
He said this in a pre-match press conference ahead of Eswatini’s home final qualifying round, first-leg game against Madagascar at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa on Saturday.
In a recorded press conference, which Pan-Africa Football accessed from Eswatini Football Association Marketing and Communications Manager Muzi Radebe, the ex-Zimbabwe mentor said Eswatini players should rise to the occasion.
“This is like one of those historical games. We have to make history. We have to try in those two games to be better than Madagascar. We must respect them but don’t over-respect them. We have to play the game to try and produce the result which will give us good hope; something we can depend on in the next game we will play in their home field,” he said.
However, the coach admitted that he has little information about Madagascar; hence his 20-member squad needs to be careful.
Sihlangu have a strong side comprising seasoned players such as Felix Badenhorst of Royal Leopards FC and Green Mambas FC’s Sabelo Ndzinisa.
Eswatini booted out Zimbabwe from the first round via a 4-0 aggregate score over two legs to make it to the second and final qualifying round.
Speaking at the same pre-match conference, Madagascar captain Nina said they were determined to win the match and enhance their chances of qualifying for the finals.
Eswatini does not have a certified venue for such international competitions, instead hosting recent fixtures in neighbouring South Africa.
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