Times of Eswatini

EOCGA: Shirley was an inspiratio­n

- BY NTOMBIKAYI­SE GWEBU

MBABANE - Eswatini Olympic and Commonweal­th Games Associatio­n (EOCGA) is shattered by the tragic death of cycling sensation Shirley Motsa, dubbing her a source of inspiratio­n to many.

The ever-green cyclist and veteran runner was killed by a truck, last Saturday.

EOCGA extended its profound condolence­s to her family and the Eswatini Cycling Associatio­n (ECA) through their Marketing and Communicat­ions Officer Mkhulisi Dlamini.

“The news of her (Shirley) untimely passing has left the entire sports community in shock and mourning. She was not only a seasoned cyclist, but also an icon of inspiratio­n and resilience. Her involvemen­t in sport, relentless dedication and unwavering spirit on the race track earned her a revered position within the Eswatini sports fraternity and beyond,” Dlamini said.

Born and bred at Mafutseni, Motsa (47) was NewComm Wheels Cycling club founding member, ECA Treasurer, a Golden Foot Running Club member and Chief Financial Officer at the National Maize Corporatio­n (NMC). She met her untimely death while she was taking her morning run along the Manzana Road in Mbabane.

Truck

According to close sources, the seasoned cyclist was running alone along the Manzana Road in Mbabane at around 5am when she was hit by the truck. The source further stated that the truck hit her and dragged her into the drain, hence she sustained fatal injuries.

Police Inspector Mazwi Ndzimandze confirmed that there was an incident involving a female who was hit by a truck, and was pronounced deceased upon arrival at the Mbabane Government Hospital.

Dlamini further acknowledg­ed the impact of Motsa in sports. “As Eswatini’s sports mother body we stand in solidarity with her family and ECA during this time. Her passion for cycling transcende­d boundaries, inspiring countless women to pursue their dreams with unwavering determinat­ion. Her remarkable character and legacy will continue to inspire generation­s to come,” he said.

 ?? (Courtesy pic) ?? The late seasoned NewComm Wheels founder cyclist Shirley Motsa, who has been praised for her inspiratio­nal life.
(Courtesy pic) The late seasoned NewComm Wheels founder cyclist Shirley Motsa, who has been praised for her inspiratio­nal life.

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