Mbabane – “You go into this competition as ambassadors of our values and our national identity.”
These were the words of Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, as he sent off two national teams headed to continental competitions, including the Men’s National Netball Team travelling to Malawi for the Africa Netball Cup and a youth delegation bound for Angola for the ANOCA Youth Games.
Addressing the male netball side at OlympAfrica in Lobamba, Nzima reminded the team of the responsibility they carry and the pride they have already brought to the country.
He said their silver medal at the previous Africa Netball Cup in Namibia remains one of the nation’s greatest sporting milestones and earned them government’s continued support. Nzima added that although resources are limited this year, the team’s podium finish placed them at the top of the priority list for funding.
He further reassured the nation that the women’s netball team will receive full government backing next year as they prepare for the World Cup qualifiers. The minister urged the players to remain mentally and physically prepared and to conduct themselves with dignity throughout the tournament.
“Our young people look up to you. Our nation believes in you,” he told the team.
Nzima also extended appreciation to coaches, technical staff, officials, sponsors and the Eswatini National Netball Association for their dedication, saying their collective effort has strengthened the side and prepared it to compete confidently on the continental stage.
The minister went on to announce the departure of a second national contingent, a delegation of ten athletes and seven officials who will represent Eswatini at the ANOCA Youth Games in Angola from December ten to twenty. The athletes will compete in athletics, boxing, swimming and taekwondo under the leadership of Chef de Mission Thobile Magagula.
“These young athletes remind us that Eswatini’s sporting potential continues to grow,” he said, urging them to uphold fair play and return with medals as well as experience that will inspire other youth across the Kingdom.
Both teams expressed gratitude for the support and vowed to represent Eswatini with pride as they take on the continent.
Discussion about this post