BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE – Government, through the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, has announced that it will be providing E1.1 million to send a multi-sport team to the 13th African Games in Ghana.
Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima made the announcement while sending off the team on this morning.
The athletes were selected to represent Eswatini at the 13th African Games include Bongiwe Mahlalela and Sibusiso Matsenjwa (both in athletics), Sibongiseni Shongwe and Thabiso Dlamini (both in boxing), Lwazi Dlamini, Melusi Dlamini, Simanga Dlamini, Carlota Munave, Nkosinathi Mthembu, Saneliso Masuku, Sivunwesihle Dlamini, Sizwe Mabuza and Wandile Maziya (all in taekwondo).
A team of 13 athletes and eight officials will represent Eswatini at the 13th African Games, with Zakhele Zulu serving as the team’s leader and Zama Tsabedze as the General Team Manager. In addition to the Government’s support, the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) have provided funding for the team’s participation. The 13th African Games will be held from March 3rd to
The Minister said, “I now challenge you as a Team to push yourselves towards excellence in Ghana. His Majesty’s command for all of us this year is a ‘nkwe’ approach towards the development of our country. This is the same approach we are urging you, as Team Eswatini, to run with as you depart. We urge you to exhibit a ‘nkwe’ attitude in everything you do in Ghana.”
According to Minister Nzima, the National Budget for 2024/25 includes 65 million Emalangeni allocated to the development of sport. The Minister stressed that the Government is committed to creating an environment that will enable athletes to reach their full potential. He added that the Ministry will continue to work hard to ensure that the Kingdom’s sports sector flourishes.
Bongiwe Mahlalela, an athlete, expressed her gratitude for being selected for the team and pledged to give it her all. She stated that she is mentally and physically prepared and will do her utmost to represent Eswatini to the best of her abilities. Mahlalela affirmed that her performance at the games will be the result of her best efforts.
