DID YOU KNOW?

MBABANE – Did you know that there are all sorts of fascinating facts and figures related to the world of Eswatini sports? The world of sports is full of interesting trivia and in this feature, we will explore some of the most fascinating trivia that you may not have known about Eswatini. 1

. South African DStv Premiership league does not have any army team registered under it. This is where Eswatini international Justice ‘Figa’ Figuareido plies his trade. Meanwhile, Eswatini’s MTN Premier League has one in Young Buffaloes while Zambian Super League has three in Green Buffaloes, Green Eagles and Red Arrows. 2

. Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) Women’s Commission chair Pearl Muir-Dlamini became the first African woman to serve on the Board of the International Boxing Association (IBA) as one of the 10 new members voted in on May 10, 2022. Dlamini has been President of the Eswatini Boxing Association (EBA) for about nine years and is a Board member of the African Boxing Confederation (AFBC). 3

. Eswatini received at least five gold medals in the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games with recent medallists being awarded in 2022. The floodgates were opened by taekwondo artist Gcinumuzi Nxumalo while other heroes were Sihlelelwe Matsebula, Sivunwesihle Dlamini, Aphiwe Dlamini and Hlelo Vilakati who won their fights with ease and got gold medals for the country. In the year 2021, Eswatini teams were able to come home with 10 medals from the Region V games in Lesotho in different sporting activities. 4

. Eswatini international and Zambian side ZESCO United rightback Lindo ‘All-Trades’ Mkhonta’s team have won the ABSA Cup six times since 2007/08. They have defeated Zanaco three times in finals scoring seven goals and conceding one. The side had last appeared in this tournament during the 2022/23 season, where they were eliminated. 5 . Eswatini Taekwondo Federation (ETF) Coach Manqoba Motsa is the most decorated having led his team to securing medals in Region V Youth Games twice in 2021 and 2022 Motsa is also the 2023 Outstanding Sports Coach of the Year award winner having been dethroned by swimming coach and Eswatini Swimming Association (ESA) Interim President Welcome Motsa this year.