Eswatini are gearing up for a special trip. On 12 November, they will face Malta in a friendly, in what will be the first match in their history against a European national team. For the 24 players called up, it represents a unique opportunity in a season that sees the African side test themselves against an opponent from the Old Continent for the very first time.

The national team, known by the nickname 'Sihlangu SeMnikati', has never featured in the finals of either the World Cup or the Africa Cup of Nations. But there is another detail that sets them apart: for many of their squad, football is not their only job.

Former head coach Zdravko Logarusic highlighted this in September 2025 following a 3-0 defeat against Cameroon. "We only have one professional footballer. The others are police officers, teachers and soldiers who play football part-time," he told the Times of Eswatini.

Now, Eswatini are preparing for their European debut. On the touchline will be Dominic Kunene, who has been named interim head coach.

Here is the squad list for the friendly against Malta:

Goalkeepers: Sibusiso Dlamini (Nsingizini Hotspurs F.C.), Qiniso Nyawo (Mbabane Highlanders A.M. F.C.)

Defenders: Thulani Jingane (Nsingizini Hotspurs F.C.), Kwakhe Thwala (Scottland F.C., Zimbabwe), Mpendulo Simelane (Ezulwini United F.C.), Gift Gamedze (Royal Leopard F.C.), Nkosingiphile Shongwe (Nsingizini Hotspurs F.C.), Philiso Newman (Agama F.C., Zimbabwe), Nkosinathi Shongwe (Moneni Pirates F.C.)

Midfielders: Kelvin Kunene (Royal Leopard F.C.), Khumalo Yeki (Hardrock F.C., Zimbabwe), Neliswa Dlamini (Hardrock F.C., Zimbabwe), Thubelihle Mavuso (Hardrock F.C., Zimbabwe), Simanga Masangane (Royal Leopard F.C.), Innocent Pakule (Nsingizini Hotspurs F.C.)

Forwards: Philani Mkhontfo (Manzini Sea Birds F.C.), Justice Figareido (Chippa United F.C., South Africa), Joseph Kibonge (Manzini Sea Birds F.C.), Malangeni Dlamini (Royal Leopard F.C.), Sithandiwe Mbuli (Narlidere Belediye Spor, Turkey), Sambulo Simelane (Hardrock F.C., Zimbabwe), Quality Dlamini (Nsingizini Hotspurs F.C.), Senanelo Nkambule (Moneni Pirates F.C.)