RECOGNISED SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS

Recently, the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC) engaged in one of the most vital exercises of the year, which was to review our National Sports Associations’ previous year performances and ultimately grant them recognition for the following year. In simpler terms, it is more like granting the sports and recreation bodies operating, or trading licenses for the new year. Most have successfully undergone the process and a majority or now fully eligible to get help from the ESRC. The benefits of being recognised are countless.

We have always made it a point to stress the importance of getting recognition from the ESRC, as this guarantees support from the government be it financial or otherwise. We have dedicated officers at the ESRC that are always ready to assist our associations to get the recognition. There is no reason why our sports and recreation bodies are not recognised. This obviously has a negative impact on these bodies.  They tend to miss on all the help they could get. Without recognition, it’s like these bodies operate in the bush or in the wild. Nobody hears them. It pains us to the marrow to see sports bodies struggling to get recognition when we are here to serve the nation. That is why we celebrate those that have been reviewed and granted recognition. These have taken a huge step towards making life easier for themselves and of course their members.

We remain available to assist the sports movement in whatever way possible. It’s what we do. It’s who we ae. We are most happy when we serve our people. Do not be afraid, just approach our office and one is guaranteed assistance. We are happy when the sports movement is happy.

Some of the recognised sports associations (in no particular order);

• Basketball Association of Eswatini
• Eswatini Cricket Association
• Eswatini Football Association
• Handball Association of Eswatini
• Eswatini Hockey Association
• Eswatini National Netball Association
• Eswatini Rugby Union
• Eswatini National Volleyball Association
• Eswatini Motorcycle and Bike Association
• Eswatini Swimming Association
• Eswatini Gymnastics Federation
• Eswatini Golf Union
• Athletics Eswatini
• Eswatini Teqball Federation
• Eswatini Equestrian Federation
• Eswatini Taekwondo Federation
• Eswatini Boxing Association
• Eswatini Karate Federation
• Eswatini Tennis Association
• Eswatini Angling Association
• Eswatini Cue Sports

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Great expectations in Nairobi

The athletics fraternity and indeed the entire sports movement will surely be holding their breath when a youthful athletics team compete in the World Athletics Championships in Nairobi, Kenya.

Sibusiso ‘Swazi Bolt’ Matsenjwa has given us a reason to hope and be optimistic following his stunning exploits in Tokyo, Japan where he set a new National Record. This should indeed inspire our young athletes, as they go for gold in Nairobi.

We are now past the stage of making up numbers in international competitions. We are looking for podium finishes. We want medals.  We wish our team well, as they attempt to hoist the country’s flag in yet another world stage.

A total of five athletes make up the seven-member Team Eswatini, which also consists of team official Dr. Zabenguni Mkhatshwa and coach, Muzi Mabuza.

The competition in Kenya starts from 17 August to August 22. This is a huge opportunity for our young athletes to make a name for themselves. What greater prospect to make a name for oneself than the World Championships? Our youngsters should grab the golden opportunity with both hands and give it their all.

Team Eswatini:

Bakhona Sikhondze – Athlete

Menziwokuhle Msibi – Athlete

Ayanda Malaza – Athlete

Bongmenzi Mbingo – Athlete

Lihle Ginindza –  Athlete

Zabenguni Mkhatshwa – Official

Muzi Mabuza – Coach

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Cue Sports’ first AGM a must see

We always encourage our recognised National Sports Associations to practise good governance and nothing pleases us more than to see them follow the right procedure in governance and administration.

That is why news that the Cue Sports in the Manzini Region will be holding their Annual General Meeting (AGM) sounds like sweet melody. It is an indicator that some of our associations are playing by the book. This will be an elective AGM and we can only wish the association all the best, as they prepare to usher in new officials into office.

The AGM is also a sure sign that the association is growing and headed towards the right direction.

The AGM will be held at the St John Bosco Primary School in Malkerns starting at 1pm. We do hope that all COVID-19 protocols, rules and regulations will be adhered to. We have said it over and over again that lives matter more than sport. Our people should be safe and it is the associations’ responsibility to ensure that. As Cue Sports in the Manzini Region goes to the polls, we expect our associations to keep in mind the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic is still a threat.

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