Ezulwini :The fifth FNB Eswatini Challenge has left a wider economic and sporting
footprint, with FNB Eswatini CEO Thokozani Dlamini saying the tournament showed how
investment in sport can create opportunities for local businesses while developing emaSwati
golfers.
Dlamini said this yesterday during the prize-giving ceremony at Ezulwini Golf and Country
Club, where the 2026 FNB Eswatini Challenge came to an end after a week of competition
involving more than 100 international professionals, 15 emaSwati professionals and 30
junior golfers.
He said the tournament generated increased activity in the hospitality and retail sectors as
players, officials and visitors spent time in the country.
“We have seen a hive of economic activity within the local hospitality sector and our
retailers,” Dlamini said.
The FNB Eswatini Challenge was also followed by audiences locally and beyond through
television, radio, newspapers and more than 10 online news platforms, according to Dlamini.
He said the tournament had grown beyond the golf course, with the event providing an
opportunity to showcase Eswatini while bringing together players, businesses, sponsors and
other stakeholders.
The bank also used the tournament to support the development of local golfers, with E60
000 set aside for the three highest-placed emaSwati professionals.
The top three emaSwati golfers were Brandon-Jude Rennie, who finished first among the
locals and received E30 000, Austin Mabaso in second place with E20 000, and Machawe
Maziya in third place with E10 000.
Dlamini said the special fund, together with the inaugural FNB Junior Golf Day, formed part
of the bank’s efforts to give local golfers greater opportunities to develop and compete at
higher levels.
“It is our dream to see local golfers become competitive in regional and international golf and
as FNB Eswatini, we will walk this growth journey with them,” he said.
The Junior Golf Day brought together 30 young golfers who had an opportunity to interact
with Sunshine Tour professionals and receive practical guidance on different aspects of the
game.
Dlamini thanked the professional golfers for their involvement in the junior programme,
particularly after agreeing to accommodate the change in the date of the Junior Golf Day
because of the weather conditions earlier in the week.
He also thanked Government for its support, saying the bank had enjoyed cooperation from
the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs and other Government departments during
the tournament.
The tournament attracted a record 12 sponsors, including AD Enterprises, aQuelle, Oracle
Group Eswatini, Sgonian Republik, Destiny Events, Eswatini Post and Telecommunications
Corporation, Phutfumani, MTN Eswatini, Ezulwini Municipality, Eswatini Beverages, Times of
Eswatini and Eswatini TV.
Dlamini also recognised the Sunshine Tour, Eswatini Professional Golfers Association,
Eswatini Golf Union, Ezulwini Golf and Country Club and NOMADS for their contribution to
the staging of the tournament.
Despite difficult weather conditions earlier in the week, the tournament was completed with
the champion crowned yesterday.
Dlamini said FNB Eswatini would continue working with Government and other stakeholders
on initiatives that support economic growth through sport.
“The continued success and impact of the FNB Eswatini Challenge gives us renewed hope
that purposeful investment into sport can help us achieve our shared development goals,” he
said.
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