Eswatini eyeing six medals at Mandela Cup
ESWATINI Boxing Association (EBA) is eyeing six medals in the 2024 Nelson Mandela Cup scheduled to kick off on Tuesday in Durban.
The Association President Webster Lukhele revealed this ahead of the commencement of the inaugural continental assignment at the Durban International Convention Centre.
“We’re looking for a podium finish, at least six medals. All the eight are national champions and we decided to inject new blood in the team,” said Lukhele who is also an African Boxing Council board member.
Lukhele also thanked the Government and local companies for supporting the team. Team Eswatini has been supported by several companies such as OK Foods and Dixie’s International, among others.
Meanwhile, Eswatini head coach Douglas Simelane said preparations for the tournament are proceeding smoothly.
“We are confident that the team will do well in the games. The entire squad has shown commitment at training ahead of the games,” he said.
The Eswatini technical bench comprises six coaches, Douglas Simelane (Head Coach), Mpendulo Mbingo, Maxwell Ngwenya, Muzi Shongwe, Ndumiso Mthembu and the legendary Simanga ‘De Boer’ Shiba.
Veteran boxing administrator and EBA’s Vice president, Emmanuel Du Pont is the squad Manager. The national team left the country on Sunday for the six-day continental assignment. Some of the countries that will be taking part in the tournament include South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana, Zambia, and Malawi, to mention a few.
The participating countries will be competing for the E9 million prize money recently announced by the International Boxing Association (IBA)
The full squad:
Males
Khaya Shongwe
Mukelo Dlamini
Andiswa Sibandze
Phelindaba Gamedze
Mitto Latches
Mayibongwe Mdluli
Nkosinathi Dvuba
Nhlanhla Dlamini
Females
Temalangeni Dlamini
Veliswa Magaya
Lucia Groening
Manager: Emmanuel Du Pont Coaches
Ndumiso Mthembu
Muzi Shongwe
Douglas Simelane
Maxwell Ngwenya
Mpendulo Mbingo
Simanga Shiba