BY EPN REPORTER
MBABANE – Team Eswatini has landed ready to hoist the country’s flag high at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in the United Kingdom. The Commonwealth Games begin tomorrow, where the Kingdom of Eswatini is represented by 11 athletes in different sports.
Before their departure, Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Harries Bulunga urged Team Eswatini to unite the Nation with good performances at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, according to an official Government statement on social media. Government, through the Ministry of Sports, is contributing around E300 000 towards the Team’s participation at the Games.
Speaking at the farewell, Minister Bulunga said that “Winning is contagious and as our country continues to rebuild following what has been a tough period, you can play a crucial role in uniting the Nation and bringing much needed happiness across Eswatini by doing well in Birmingham.”
“I should remind you that we have won four medals at the Commonwealth Games previously. This should give you the necessary impetus that achieving a podium finish is possible,” added Minister Bulunga.
UK High Commissioner H.E Simon Boyden also gave words of encouragement to the athletes. He said that, “These Games are about the special strength of the Commonwealth family and that strength lies in the values and aspirations that are enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter. I’d like to wish the sporting heroes of Eswatini very well as you enter the final stages of your preparation.”
Athlete Rep and prolific swimmer Hayley Hoy expressed appreciation on behalf of the team when she said, “We wish to say thank you for this opportunity to represent our beautiful country. Every one has trained very hard so I believe we are all ready to go and do our best.”
The Team is made up of athletes Sibusiso Matsenjwa, Benele Dlamini, Menzi Msibi, Ayanda Malaza, Bongiwe Mahlalela, Thabiso Dlamini, Zweli Dlamini, Muzi Shabangu, Kwanele Jele, Simanga Dlamini, and Hayley Hoy, as well as Zakhele Dlamini, Nhlanhla Maphanga, Senani Mathonsi, Thoba Mazibuko, Muzi Mabuza, Chicks Lukhele, Artwell Ndzinisa and Welcome Nhlabatsi who are officials and coaches. Team Eswatini consists of swimmers, boxers, sprinters as well as a cyclist.
