ESWATINI BOXING ASSOCIATION
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Eswatini Boxing Association (EBA) is the governing body for boxing in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Headquartered in Mbabane, we oversee the development and regulation of amateur and professional boxing nationwide, managing national teams, club affiliations, and competition calendars.
Our association has gained international recognition through its leadership and commitment to developing boxing at all levels. In December 2025, the Eswatini Boxing Federation was granted "Endorsed Member" status by World Boxing, a new international federation working to keep boxing in the Olympic movement.
🏆 Recent Achievements
IBA Men's World Boxing Championships 2025 (Dubai)
- Mukelo Dlamini (Zebra Force Boxing Club) – Victory over Havyarimana Abdul of Rwanda in 57kg category (December 7, 2025)
- Eswatini participated for the second time, having made their debut in 2024
👑 Boxing Icon: Pearl Dlamini – "Queen of African Boxing"
Pearl Dlamini stands as one of the most influential figures in Eswatini and African boxing history, serving as Eswatini Boxing Association President for nine years (2011-2020) – one of very few women National Federation Presidents in world boxing.
Leadership Positions:
- • Eswatini Boxing Association President – 2011–2020 (elected twice)
- • IBA Board of Directors Member – Elected May 14, 2022 – first African woman to serve
- • AFBC Board Member – African Boxing Confederation
- • AFBC Women Commission Chairperson – Advancing women in boxing across Africa
- • EOCGA Board Member – Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association
Key Achievements Under Her Leadership:
- Introduced good governance practices including gender equality policy, finance policy, and anti-harassment policy
- Facilitated IBA 1-Star and 2-Star coaching certifications for several Eswatini coaches
- Developed talented boxers including Thabiso Dlamini and Zweli Dlamini, who secured IBA Olympic Scholarships
🏅 Featured Boxers
| Boxer | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Mukelo Dlamini | Zebra Force Boxing Club – Victory at IBA World Championships 2025 (Dubai) |
| Thabiso Dlamini | Unbeaten in Eswatini, IBA Olympic Scholarship recipient |
| Zweli Dlamini | Unbeaten in Eswatini, IBA Olympic Scholarship recipient |
| Veliswa Makhanya | Zebra Boxing Club – Multiple podium finishes internationally |
🌱 Women's Boxing Development
Embiveni Biggest Braai Women's Tournament (July 2024)
- Historic women's exhibition boxing tournament added to the 8th edition
- Semi-finalists from Hhohho and Manzini Regions competed for E10,000 winner-takes-all prize
- Featured traditional regalia parade followed by professional boxing gear
- Medical doctors and professional referees ensured international standards
Coach Maxwell Ngwenya of Zebra Boxing Club: "We have embraced female boxers with open arms, and this inclusivity has paid off."
🤝 Affiliations
- • IBA (International Boxing Association) – Long-standing member
- • World Boxing – Endorsed Member (December 2025)
- • AFBC (African Boxing Confederation) – Regional body
- • Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA)
- • Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC)
📞 For queries / more info: 📱 +268 76862376 | 📧 websterlukhele@yahoo.com
