NETBALL – BRING back a gold medal.
That was the directive from Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima, represented by Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) Chief Executive Officer Maxwell Jele, during the men’s national netball team farewell function at the Olympafrica Development Centre in Lobamba.
The Eswatini squad is set to compete at the Africa Netball Cup in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 19 to 26.
The continental tournament will be staged at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, with the country’s men’s team facing South Africa, Malawi, Kenya and Uganda in a round-robin competition. The women’s competition at the same event will also serve as the African qualification pathway for the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027. Two African teams will qualify through the World Cup qualifying competition.
In his farewell address, Nzima said the players were travelling to Kenya carrying the hopes and prayers of the nation.
“This tournament marks your third consecutive appearance at the Africa Netball Cup. You are no longer newcomers looking for experience, you are established giants, feared contenders, and true ambassadors of our kingdom,” he said.
The minister highlighted Eswatini’s recent record at the continental tournament, noting that the team won silver in Namibia in 2024 before claiming bronze in Malawi in 2025.
He said the team had demonstrated its competitiveness on the continental stage and challenged the players to improve on their previous performances.
“As you step onto the courts at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, from September 19th to 26th, we have absolute faith that you have what it takes to climb that podium once again,” Nzima said.
The minister also recognised the work of head coach Jabulani Vilane and his technical team, as well as the players selected for the assignment.
He said domestic club rivalries had to be put aside as the players represented one country.
“Today, you wear one jersey, you defend one flag, and you play for one proud nation,” he said.
Nzima also acknowledged the training and preparation undertaken by the squad, including friendly matches against regional opposition such as South Africa.
He thanked Netball Eswatini, sponsors and the technical team for helping secure the resources required for the trip.
“Talent wins games, but teamwork, discipline and character win championships,” Nzima said.
He concluded by wishing the team a safe journey and injury-free tournament before delivering his central message: “Go out there, conquer Africa, and bring the gold home.”
Govt covers squad’s E400 000 travelling bill
NETBALL – GOVERNMENT has provided E400 000 towards the travelling and logistical expenses of the Eswatini men’s national netball team for the Africa Netball Cup in Kenya.
The team will compete in Nairobi from September 19 to 26 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The Africa Netball Cup brings together men’s and women’s national teams, although the World Cup qualification component applies to the women’s competition.
The women’s tournament doubles as the African qualifier for the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027, with two qualification places available.
The men’s competition is a separate continental championship featuring Eswatini, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda and Malawi.
Representing the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council Chief Executive Officer, Business Development Manager Zama Tsabedze confirmed the government’s financial support during the team’s farewell function at the Olympafrica Development Centre in Lobamba.
“Government has supported the team with E400 000 to cover all expenses and logistical costs,” Tsabedze said.
Team delegation leader Nkabinde Shabalala, who is also Netball Eswatini Secretary General, said the squad was ready for the continental assignment.
“The team is ready and we have no doubt we will come back with a medal. We are looking forward to qualify for the World Cup next year and become the first team sport to achieve that,” Shabalala said.
Competition
The men’s team will open its campaign against South Africa on Saturday before facing Malawi two days later. The remaining fixtures against Kenya and Uganda form part of the round-robin competition, with the final stages scheduled for September 25 and 26.
Assistant coach Wandile Sithole said the team was targeting an improvement on its bronze-medal finish at the previous tournament.
“The team is ready and we promise to come back with the better medal. In the last competition we got bronze. We promise to win all group games,” Sithole said.
Captain Fortune Neves thanked government for supporting the team over the past three years.
“We appreciate government support in making sure we participate in such competitions, especially in the last three years. We are going to high level games and promise to do well,” Neves said.
EOCGA Chief Executive Officer Maxwell Jele challenged Netball Eswatini to also target qualification for the Commonwealth Games.
“Sport is long-term development and we need to put resources at entry point to get positive results,” Jele said. He noted the team’s continental progress, from silver three years ago to bronze last year, and said he was hopeful of a good result in Kenya.
