Taekwondo artists proud of Rwanda performance

MBABANE – The taekwondo team that represented the country in the Africa Taekwondo Championships in Kigali, Rwanda came back home with their heads high.

The team of seven artists brought home two medals form the championships. One silver medal was won by youngster Bongumusa Mkhatshwa in the cadets division. The seasoned Carlota Munave claimed bronze in the female 73kg division.

The other members of the team included Sizwe Mabuza who was also the Coach; Mfanawekhaya Dube, Wandile Maziya; Saneliso Masuku; and Nonhle Maduna. Majority of the athletes including Saneliso Masuku and Wandile Maziya reached the quarterfinals of the championships.

Munave who had been out of competition for the past three years said she was happy with her performance, especially after winning the bronze medal for the country.

Supportive

“This trip had a lot of lessons for me that I took to heart. I’m just grateful to God that He was with me and my mother who was so supportive in a way I’ve never imagined, as well as the people in my close circle who encouraged me and helped me stay strong,” she said.

Taekwondo was among the mostly affected sporting codes during the freeze necessitated by the advent of COVID-19.

“The competition itself was tough but amazing. There were top athletes in my division, so I had to put my heart on that mat. Personally I’m happy with my performance after a five-year hiatus from the international stage. I’m grateful for the medal I managed to bring back home. It’s a great way to kick-start the Olympic programme that I’m enrolled in.

‘‘This medal means a lot to me besides it being my first senior continental medal. I’m happy that once again Eswatini is recognised. All in all team Eswatini did the most and my teammates performed exceptionally well and I’m proud of them,” she said.