BY THEMBA ZWANE
EZULWINI – Team Eswatini will head to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games carrying the hopes of the nation, with the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) urging athletes to compete with pride, courage and determination on the international stage.
Speaking at a farewell reception hosted by the British High Commission at Royal Villas on Thursday evening, EOCGA President Adam “Bomber” Mthethwa officially presented the 17-member delegation that will represent the Kingdom at the Games and challenged the athletes to make the country proud.
Mthethwa said while medals remained an important target, athletes should also focus on demonstrating the values that define Eswatini.
“We measure success not only by medals but also by the courage you display, the respect you show your competitors and the pride with which you represent the Kingdom of Eswatini,” he said.
The delegation comprises athletes, coaches and officials who will compete in four sporting codes – athletics, swimming, boxing and judo.
Leading the team is Chef de Mission Zakhele Dlamini, assisted by General Team Manager Zama Tsabedze and physiotherapist Lungile Vilakati.
Athletics will field Mlandvo Maziya, Thandaza Zwane, Bongumuzi Matsebula and Bongiwe Mahlalela under coach Sibusiso Matsenjwa, while swimming will be represented by Hayley Hoy, Siwakhile Dlamini and Damien DeSousa, coached by Ndumiso Khoza.
In boxing, Eswatini will rely on Mukelo Dlamini and Siboniso Vilakati under coach Douglas Simelane, while Lamulela Magagula will fly the national flag in judo with coach Mashumi Sihlongonyane.
Mthethwa described the Commonwealth Games as one of the world’s premier sporting events, offering athletes an opportunity to compete against elite international opposition while showcasing Eswatini’s talent and resilience.
“To our athletes, you carry with you not only your own dreams but also the hopes and aspirations of an entire nation,” he said.
The EOCGA president also praised Government for its continued support of sport development and athlete preparation, saying the investment was helping create opportunities for emaSwati athletes to excel internationally.
He further thanked British High Commissioner Colin Wells and the British High Commission for hosting the farewell reception, describing the gesture as a reflection of the strong friendship between Eswatini and the United Kingdom.
Looking beyond Glasgow, Mthethwa reaffirmed the association’s commitment to athlete development and high-performance sport as the country builds towards future Commonwealth Games, African Games and Olympic Games.
He called on emaSwati to unite behind the team throughout the competition.
“Let us celebrate every performance, every personal best and every achievement as one united nation,” he said.
Team Eswatini is expected to depart for Scotland in the coming days ahead of the Commonwealth Games, which run from July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow.
#Sport #Eswatini #Glasgow #CommonwealthGames #Government #EOCGA
Post Views: 314
