Comrades Marathon: True test of willpower
W Edo hope that this Sunday finds our people, in particular the sports movement, which is closest to our hearts, well. We did say in other platforms that we would not allow the disappointment of the country’s national netball team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup derail us.
Instead, we are positive that the team and all those associated with the sport have taken this as a lesson. We all know that the over two-year break due to COVID-19 greatly affected our team ahead of the qualifiers, which were staged in Pretoria, South Africa. The technical bench, which is headed by Friction Mayisela, did all they could under the circumstances. It was never going to be easy.
The fact that the squad was, however, able to win their last game against Tanzania, is testimony of their true potential. Next time, with the proper preparations and enough time to play international friendly games, our team will leave a mark.
We now take the opportunity to wish all local clubs and individuals who will be participating in tomorrow’s Comrades Marathon in the neighbouring country South Africa, the best of luck. They will be hoisting the country’s flag and the nation will be behind them in prayers.
Largely regarded as the ultimate human race, it’s always been staged in KwaZulu-Natal and is back after a two-year forced absence. This was due to the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which literally grounded everything. Tomorrow’s event will start in Maritsburg and the finishing point is at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium. We may not be there to physically support the many local athletes that will be there, but we will be with them in spirit. Attempting to conquer 89.885km of unfamiliar terrain is no easy feat. Tackling it is another story altogether.
PROMOTING HEALTHY LIVING
We promote healthy living, hence we encourage both the elite and social athletes to go out there and put in a good fight. We will pray that they travel safely to and from the marathon, which is no doubt the biggest in the region. Above all, we shall pray that the elite athletes will strive for podium finishes. That is what we want to see. Let us not get there and be overawed by the occasion and only be too happy to participate when we can do so much better.
On the same vein, we do hope that the 10-member athletics team that will represent us during the Mozambique Athletics National Championships will do us proud. Athletics Eswatini will be using the Mozambique Championships to select the team to represent the country in the forthcoming African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games which are scheduled for the city of Blantyre, Malawi. The athletes should know how serious this outing is.
Following the return of Team Eswatini from the recently ended Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, in the United Kingdom, our mass participation flagship programme, Shukuma Eswatini, is also back in full swing. We will be announcing our next destination shortly, as we wrap up the final preparations. Our programme offers both the corporate and private sector the perfect opportunity to engage the masses.
Our doors are open for such partnerships at no cost at all. Unbelievable as it may sound, the truth is that Shukuma is a premium platform for public engagement. There are a few, if any, platforms that offer so many opportunities all at once. It’s true that this is an opportunity not to be missed. Our Marketing Officer Siphesihle Dacunha can be reached at siphesihle@sportscouncil. org.sz . As stated earlier, our doors are always open and we are ready to assist wherever possible.
Until next week; sport for all; sport for life!
OUR CONTACTS;
The Media Officer, can be reached at 76691992/79691992 or at email; ntiwane@ sportscouncil.org.sz.
Our Marketing Officer, Siphesihle Dacunha can be reached at siphesihle@sportscouncil.org.sz.