BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – The FNB Eswatini Nkonyeni Golf Challenge was launched in spectacular fashion as FNB sponsored the tournament with E1.4 million. Speaking during the launch of the FNB Eswatini Nkonyeni Golf Challenge Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Harries Bulunga commended the sponsorship and said that Eswatini’s sport is “worth investing on.”
“Our sport continues to make great strides locally and beyond and it has become an industry worth investing on. Our athletes are holding their own in regional competitions, once more underlining the immense talent in Eswatini. Indeed, this calendar year alone, our athletes have won 16 medals in top of the range regional competitions. In addition, just this past weekend, one of our sport administrators made history by being elected into the Board of an International Sport Federation,” said Minister Bulunga.
He added, “I wish to take this moment to thank FNB Eswatini for partnering with sport for such an exciting and noble initiative. The ripple effects of this support will be felt far and wide, beyond sporting corridors as hosting such tournaments has numerous positive spin-offs for many other sectors in this value chain, including tourism. Ultimately, more emaSwati eventually benefit through the hosting of this tournament.”
Echoing his words, acting Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Manqoba Khumalo said, “Tourism and Sports are a potent mix and a winning combination for bolstering a country’s economy. The FNB Eswatini Nkoyeni Challenge is not only a sporting tournament that seeks to advance the country’s sports industry, but it will also bring with its visitors from outside our borders who we know we will see again.”
FNB CEO Dennis Mbingo also highlighted that golf is an important catalyst for economic value creation. He said that the sport provides a platform for major agents of this economy to meet. “Golf has been seen in other countries to help promote tourism,” he added.
The FNB Eswatini Nkonyeni Golf Challenge tournament will be hosted in collaboration with the Sunshine Tour, was represented by Courtney DeBaross during the launch.
