Eswatini Beach Games squad revealed
LOBAMBA – The Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) has named the squad that will represent the kingdom during the upcoming African Beach Games.
Three sporting codes will be participating in the games that will run from June 23 to 30, 2023, in Hammamet, Tunisia. EOCGA had initially earmarked beach teqball and volleyball as well as open water swimming. However, beach volleyball has been dropped and replaced with beach marathon.
Disappointment
“We learnt with disappointment during the recently held games preparatory meeting in Tunisia, which I attended, that we have not made the cut in beach volleyball, and as we will not be in a position to include it as part of our teams,” EOCGA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Maxwell Jele said during a press conference held at his offices at Lobamba yesterday.
EOCGA also noted that the trip will cost close to E1 million. It includes the air tickets, athletes’ allowances, accommodation and meals. The CEO also mentioned that the players were expected to have a six-day camp in South Africa (SA), as they expected them to hoist the country’s flag.
“We have big expectations from the team as the country is listed among top three nations in Africa. We believe there is a lot that we can bring back home and further learn from the tournament.
Practical AFRICAN BEACH GAMES TEAM ESWATINI SQUAD
Teqball
Mfanafuthi ‘Taribo’ Bhembe
Menzi Mnisi Siphosethu Sikhondze Siphesihle Dlamini
Open Water Swimming
Herman Jele
Simanga Dlamini Hayley Hoy
Beach Marathon:
Zakhele Dlamini Sikhu. Sihlongonyane Nokuphiwa Zwane
Athletes:
Athlete:
we want them to have a practical feel of a beach environment,” the CEO said.
The Chef de Mission of Team Eswatini is EOCGA Board Member Thobile Magagula.
The presidents of all the participating sporting codes are the coaches of the athletes.
“We are going to be participating in this event for the first time which is why the team managers are the association’s presidents.
“There is lot we can also come back with from to promote it in the country as we have our own facility here,” Jele explained.
Team Eswatini is expected to leave the country on June 17.