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eSWATINI

Home 2024/25

Manufacturer: Umbro

Source: eSwatini FA

 

THE COUNTRY

The kingdom of eSwatini underwent a name change just a few years ago. Formerly the Kingdom of Swaziland, the small South African country is best known for its absolute monarch Mswati III, who may have the largest official collection of wives (16) and children (45) of any head of state. The king also owns a collection of luxury watches and luxury cars worth millions, which the wealthy monarch presumably treats himself to thanks to the more than $60 million dollars from the royal budget that parliament pays him each year. While the king jets through the beautiful landscapes of his kingdom in a Maybach, 63% of Swazis live on less than $1.25 a day. The unequal distribution of wealth is particularly noticeable in terms of health problems: at 28.3%, eSwatini has the world’s highest HIV rate and even though there have been improvements in recent years, life expectancy is only 58 years, the 12th lowest in the world.

 

Football is also played in this lovely country nestled between South Africa and Mozambique. With a team consisting exclusively of players from the Swazi league, the team has yet to cause a major international stir. The “Sihlangu Semnikati” (King's Shield) have not managed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations or even the World Cup, so far.

This year, they did make it to the group stage of the AFCON qualifiers after beating Somalia in the preliminary round, but ultimately failed to beat Mozambique, Mali and Guinea-Bissau.

Much more successful, however, were eSwatini’s performances at the COSAFA Cup, the regional tournament for South African nations. Here, eSwatini took second place three times and third place twice.

 

THE SHIRT

Even if the small kingdom is not (yet) able to reach higher footballing spheres, it is right at the top in terms of fashion. Usually in eye-catching primary colors, eSwatini's old jerseys in particular are a feast for the eyes. The latest model from English manufacturer Umbro also combines modern design with traditional Swazi motifs in a spectacular way.

In the center of the jersey are three traditional Nguni shields, which can also be found on the eSwatini flag. The home jersey comes with a striking pattern of dark blue and yellow paint-splatters that give the design a modern touch. Unfortunately, the badges are only sublimated onto the fabric and not embroidered, as is the case with the players' jerseys. Of all the great designs that Umbro has produced for the African teams in recent years, this one ranks on top for me!

I received it from an extremely kind and generous person from the eSwatini Football Association, who gave me this spectacular jersey as a gift.

eSwatini wearing the shirt against Botswana in 2024.

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