‘Blessed’ Sigwe Inkhundla
SUNDAY greetings. Today, all roads lead to the Mavuso Sports Centre for the biggest game in the local football calendar.
Derbies all over the world by their very nature divide friends and families alike. Since time immemorial it seems, whenever Mbabane Swallows clash head on against traditional rivals, Mbabane Highlanders, nothing else seems to matter.
We are very much aware that tempers seem to flare each time these heavyweights meet, as evidenced by the last meeting at the same venue. We would like to, however, appeal for peace and calm among both sets of supporters ahead of today’s clash. It is after all just a game. Our people should be able to take their families with them to such encounters and not be worried about their safety really. There is no denying the fact that this is the biggest game in the land and we would like to wish both teams the best of luck. Above all, may the spirit of fair play prevail.
The wait for our first Shukuma of the year is finally over. All roads will lead to the Sigwe Inkhundla, on May 6, for this important exercise. The popular programme has in recent times revolved to become a premium platform for public engagement, as it fully encompasses the mandate of the parent ministry, which is the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs. We will definitely continue from where we left of in the delivery of this programme, which does not only encourage mass participation in sports, but also ensures that our people get to benefit from the many basic services, which are always on offer whenever we reach out to the communities.
As usual, we will be coming with both our corporate and social partners. The country’s recognised National Sports Associations and recreational bodies will also be in attendance. Shukuma also offers our sports associations the platform to market themselves and sell their respective products to the different communities.
Our corporate partners get the glorious opportunity to propagate their messages in front of a large audience, as the programme never fails to attract the numbers. We always encourage the young and old to take part in the various activities on offer. Our Shukuma is intended to plant the seed of healthy living in our communities. We expect our people to continue training and living healthy lives long after we are gone. Mark the date and we have a date. Sigwe will definitely come alive when our dynamic team descend to deliver what should be a spectacular programme.
Both the Athletics Eswatini and the Schools Sports Association are currently busy with preparations of sending their respective squads to regional competitions. The Eswatini Swimming Association is also among the associations preparing a squad for a regional competition. We did say in our last article that we are always happy when we see the National Sports Associations taking development matters seriously. By sending their respective youth teams to these regional and continental championships, our associations are in a way securing their futures. We do encourage such participation, especially when it has to do with juniors.
We have also praised the Athletics Eswatini for hosting the Youth and Junior Championships at the Somhlolo National Stadium. This is encouraging, especially when considering the impressive attendance from the junior athletes, although there is plenty of room for improvement. The future of the sport looks to be secured. We would like to encourage our associations to invest heavily on the youth systems. This is the only way our sports can improve.
Targeting schools is obviously a great way to start, as we all know that in most instances it’s the youth that is enrolled in such institutions.
Until next week, sports for all; sport for life!