The 5th edition of the Eswatini Sports Awards, hosted by the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs through the Eswatini Sports and Recreation Council (ESRC), took place last night at Esibayeni Lodge, celebrating the nation’s top athletic talent across various disciplines.
During the event, Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima expressed concern over the exclusion of the Outstanding Disability Sportsman and Sportswoman categories, urging sports associations to enhance disability sports programmes and collaborate with stakeholders such as the Eswatini Paralympic Committee.
The awards ceremony honoured excellence in ten categories, with winners automatically earning nominations for the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Regional Annual Sports Awards. Minister Nzima reiterated the importance of maintaining high governance standards within sports associations, warning that poor governance could hinder sports development.
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Among the key winners were Ndoniyamanzi Luhlanga, who claimed the Outstanding Junior Sportswoman award, and Luca Fraser, who secured Outstanding Junior Sportsman. The Eswatini 45th Chess Olympiad Open Section Team was recognised as the Outstanding Sports Team, while the Eswatini Cricket Association took home the Outstanding National Sports Association award.
In coaching and administration, Velile Dube was named Outstanding Sports Coach, and Mandla Dlamini received the Outstanding Sports Administrator award. Senior athlete accolades went to Nontsikelelo Msibi and Banele Mndzebele in the Outstanding Senior Sportswoman and Sportsman categories, respectively. The media also had its moment of recognition, with Mngcini Dube winning Outstanding Sports Journalist in Print Media, while Linda Dlamini was awarded in the Electronic Media category.
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Winners and dignitaries celebrate excellence at the 5th Eswatini Sports Awards held at Esibayeni Lodge. Photos by Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs.Winners and dignitaries celebrate excellence at the 5th Eswatini Sports Awards held at Esibayeni Lodge. Photos by Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs.Winners and dignitaries celebrate excellence at the 5th Eswatini Sports Awards held at Esibayeni Lodge. Photos by Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs.Winners and dignitaries celebrate excellence at the 5th Eswatini Sports Awards held at Esibayeni Lodge. Photos by Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs.Winners and dignitaries celebrate excellence at the 5th Eswatini Sports Awards held at Esibayeni Lodge. Photos by Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs.Winners and dignitaries celebrate excellence at the 5th Eswatini Sports Awards held at Esibayeni Lodge. Photos by Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs.Winners and dignitaries celebrate excellence at the 5th Eswatini Sports Awards held at Esibayeni Lodge. Photos by Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs.Winners and dignitaries celebrate excellence at the 5th Eswatini Sports Awards held at Esibayeni Lodge. Photos by Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs.Winners and dignitaries celebrate excellence at the 5th Eswatini Sports Awards held at Esibayeni Lodge. Photos by Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs.Winners and dignitaries celebrate excellence at the 5th Eswatini Sports Awards held at Esibayeni Lodge. Photos by Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs.Winners and dignitaries celebrate excellence at the 5th Eswatini Sports Awards held at Esibayeni Lodge. Photos by Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs.Winners and dignitaries celebrate excellence at the 5th Eswatini Sports Awards held at Esibayeni Lodge. Photos by Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs.Winners and dignitaries celebrate excellence at the 5th Eswatini Sports Awards held at Esibayeni Lodge. Photos by Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs.Winners and dignitaries celebrate excellence at the 5th Eswatini Sports Awards held at Esibayeni Lodge. Photos by Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs.Winners and dignitaries celebrate excellence at the 5th Eswatini Sports Awards held at Esibayeni Lodge. Photos by Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs.
Adekunle is an experienced journalist with a strong background in global affairs. Having worked in newsrooms in Accra, Lagos, Johannesburg, and Abu Dhabi, he specializes in political and international diplomacy. Known for his insightful analysis and accurate reporting, Adekunle has built a reputation as a trusted voice in the field.
