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MBABANE – Umkhonto KaShaka under their social responsibility initiative visited Hlatikhulu, to empower the youth, on Monday.
Mbabane Swallows partnered with the Hlatikhulu Town Board in a drive to educate and motivate the youth on how to eradicate poverty and unemployment in the area. The drive started with a 6km walk from the town centre, down the Yithi Abantu Highway and ended at the Hlatikhulu Sports Centre.
According to a source close to Swallows, the whole team was invited but unfortunately, only a few attended due to the red and white capital city giants’ tight schedule. They included General Manager (GM) Sandile ‘Beyond 2000’ Zwane and skipper Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze.
Zwane, when addressing those in attendance, thanked the town board for the recognition of the team and forging a youth development partnership with the club.
He encouraged them to take sports seriously, as these days one could make a living through participating in sport. “I would like to encourage you to make full advantage of the sport facility and produce good future sports people and I hope that one day we will have one of you playing for Mbabane Swallows,” the former national team Sihlangu manager said.
‘Beyond 2000’ also pledged to donate a soccer kit to the youth and promised a tournament for them against Swallows.
On the other hand, Captain Tony ‘TT’ Tsabedze applauded the youth for tackling economic challenges affecting them and told them that education could be mixed with sports as he had done it after graduating with a degree from tertiary, while playing actively for Swallows. “Through playing football, I am now a businessman and this boils down to dedication, discipline and respect,” Tsabedze said.
Meanwhile, Swallows recently partnered with Swatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA), in a drive to curb gender-based violence and it was officially launched last Friday in an event held at Sigwaca House in Mbabane.