DID YOU KNOW?

MBABANE – The world of sports in Eswatini is full of amazing facts and figures.

In this article, we will explore some of the most interesting ones that you might not be aware of. So put on your thinking cap and get ready for some mind-blowing trivia!

1. Eswatini national team and giants Mbabane Swallows Kwakhe Tfwala is the youngest player to have captained the national team in his era. Tfwala was 21 years old when he led Sihlangu after skipper and forces side Royal Leopard’s Sifiso ‘Ayoba’ Matse was substituted in their match against Libya. This was during the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) 2026 World Cup qualifiers match hosted at Mbombela Stadium on November 17, 2023.

2. Former Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) President Robert Zombodze Magagula is the longest serving president. Magagula led the Eswatini sporting fraternity mother body for 18 years until he stepped down when Peter Shongwe was elected in 2017. This was during an Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the OlympAfrica Centre. 3. National team Sihlangu’s current gaffer Dominic Kunene is also a guitarist. Kunene recently performed alongside the Dumako Brothers during the opening ceremony of Eswatini’s 12th Parliament event held about a week ago. 4. Eswatini female taekwondo artist Carlota Munave is the most decorated currently. The 26-year-old is ranked number one locally and 51 internationally. The 4th Dan black belt holder scooped the Junior Sportswoman of the Year award in 2018. She received an International Olympic Committee Scholarship for the year 2021-2024. ‘Lota’ won a gold medal in the Next Generation Taekwondo Championships and took first place during Eswatini National Team trials in 2022. The artist further scooped a bronze medal during African Taekwondo Championships in 2022. Munave bagged a gold medal during the Matola Open Taekwondo Championships last year.

5. Forces sides Young Buffaloes Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sandile Gwebu and Royal Leopard Public Relations Officer (PRO) Frank Hurube are the longest serving in their positions. The duo has served their clubs for over 20 years each with both teams lifting MTN Premier League titles in their era.