Show aggression – ‘Madze’ urges athletes
MATSAPHA – The Minister of Sports Culture and Youth Affairs Harris Madze Bulunga has urged the Eswatini team of athletes to fight for podium finishes in the Africa Championships campaign in Mauritius.
Bulunga said the elite athletes would be competing on a continental stage against the best athletes from the region, and urged them to grab the opportunity with both hands. He reminded the athletes that good results would be awarded accordingly..
“I now urge you to depart fully cognisant that you are worthy recipients of this honour. You should now firmly fix your eyes on showing the rest of Africa and the world why you are among the very best that our kingdom has to offer and why we believe that you have what it takes to triumph on this grandest of African stages,” Bulunga said.
The minister further commended the composition of the team, which comprises of senior athletes and upcoming stars. He therefore tasked the seniors, including national sprinter Sibusiso ‘Swazi Bolt’ Matsenjwa, to be exemplary to the younger athletes.
“Some of you here, like Sibusiso Matsenjwa and Erikah Seyama, are somewhat veterans of this trade. I urge you as seniors in our group, to lead by example.
Take care of your teammates and unite the team. While it is true that some of your assignments in Mauritius will be individual-focused, we are sending you out as a team. We expect you to be supportive of one another and work as a collective for the duration of the trip,” he said.
Also empowering the athletes to aim for the top was Eswatini Sports and Recreation Council (ESRC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Darius Dlomo who said beating their personal best times was not enough for the athletes as their main target should be podium finishes.
The team would embark on their trip this morning and connect a flight to Mauritius from South Africa.
WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY:
(PICS: NTOKOZO MAGONGO)