Mbabane: Eswatini is a small country with a population of just over 1.1 million.
The likelihood is that we are more or less related and it has been that case even in football. Independent News Sports reveal football personalities you knew or probably did not know were related…
Lungelo Tsabedze and Fanelo Tsabedze (both Royal Leopard)
These two are generically identical twins. Lungelo plays as a striker while Fanelo is a central midfielder, both registered with Royal Leopard. The Tsabedze twins bast to the scene with Mbabane Highlanders in 2013, helping the country’s most successful side regain promotion after their unexpected relegation. Interestingly, they both signed for Leopard later on and are Sihlangu internationals.
Sandile ‘Saviola’ Gamedze (Young Buffaloes) and Sabelo ‘Sawa’ Gamedze (Mbabane Highlanders)
Both Sihlangu internationals, ‘Saviola’ the leading MTN League top scorer and versatile ‘Sawa’ are brothers. While not coming from the same man, but their fathers are blood brothers sharing the same parents.
Mthunzi ‘Xavi’ Mkhontfo and Khethokuhle Mkhontfo (both Green Mamba)
From northern Hhohho just past Msumpe, that is where ‘Xavi’, and Khetho are from. They are blood brothers sharing the same parents. While ‘Xavi’ blasted to the scene much early, thanks to Caleb Ngwenya’s sharp eye for talent, Khetho had to work his socks off with local club Manchester before joining Mbabane City. Both stars, now playing for Green Mamba are reportedly nothing, in terms of talent compared to their older brother Mtsopi ‘Tso’ Mkhontfo who only played in the Super League with now defunct Pigg’s Peak Dragons. Though the duo share the same surname with Green Mamba teammate Mcolisi Mkhontfo, they are no way related with the former Malanti Chiefs man.
Nhlanhla Gwebu (Young Buffaloes) and Maqhawe Mamba (club unknown)
It is safe to say it is a family of goalkeepers. Maqhawe is the former Highlanders and Mbabane City towering shot stopper and he is cousins with Buffaloes goalkeeper Nhlanhla Gwebu. Maqhawe’s mother is sister to Nhlanhla’s father hence Nhlanhla refer to Maqhawe’s mother as aunt.
Colani ‘Papi’ Sikhondze (Ferreviario) and Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze (Mbombela United)
Perhaps the most popular stars with relations. The two are blood brothers alongside former Royal Leopard striker Musa Sikhondze. ‘Pupu’ is the youngest of the trio and currently with Mbombela United in the Glad Championship in neighbouring South Africa while ‘Papi’ plies his trade in neighbouring Mozambique. During lockdown, the pair uploaded a video of them working out together to keep fit.
Manqoba ‘Dunga’ Kunene and Mpendulo ‘Baiano’ Kunene (retired Buffaloes players)
Another famous pair of brothers. They have both done it all in football after blasting to the scene with Gcina ‘Magiyane’ Dlamini’s Mhlambanyatsi Rovers. They got professional contracts in South Africa, represented the national team at all levels, won trophies, joined Buffaloes later in their careers and secured full time employment in the army.
Mfan’fikile ‘Fash’ Ndzimandze (Black Swallows) and Mzwandile ‘Navara’ Ndzimandze (club unknown)
The two are also known brothers. Younger ‘Fash’ is currently with premier league strugglers Black Swallows. ‘Navara’ started his journey with Mhlambanyatsi Rovers before moving to South Africa. He later signed with Denver Sundowns and had a stint with now defunct Red Lions. His current club is unknown.
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