Strengthen sports at grassroots – PM
LOBAMBA – The Prime Minister (PM) Cleopas Sipho Dlamini is calling for the development of all sports other than football in the country. Speaking during the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association’s (EOCGA) double celebrations yesterday at OlympAfrica Centre, the PM called for EOCGA to diversify sports, particularly referring to non-football codes to be given more support as well.
“I want to encourage the diversity of sports in the country; we have to empower our athletes. We know our national sports icons that have put us on the map and we’d like EOCGA to have portraits of them on the wall. This would be a welcoming gesture for all our outstanding athletes even from those who have retired,” Dlamini said.
YOUTH
He then implored Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Minister Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga to encourage government to support sports, just as was the case now given the over E11 million budget allocation increase. Dlamini also called for the inclusion of the youth in sports and for policies that would strengthen the grassroots levels.
Meanwhile, ANOCA congratulated Eswatini for being among the first beneficiaries of their headquarters construction project.
ANOCA Vice President Motlohang Moiloa-Ramoqoqo said the new offices must be a constant reminder that they did it, and any challenges that may arise will help them review their project as well. Meanwhile, ANOCA is an international organisation based in Nigeria, which brings together 54 African National Olympics Committees (NOC) and was founded in 1981.
SOME YOUNGSTERS REACT:
Kwanele Mabuza (M. Swallows - Hhohho): “I would like to thank FIFA and EFA for this programme as it gives us the opportunity to showcase our skills. My dream is to play for Mbabane Swallows and represent the country at all levels. In South Africa I wish to play for Orlando Pirates.”
Banele Magongo (School of Excellence - Manzini): “I would like to thank EFA for the opportunity as it helps us to concentrate on school, in the process taking our focus away from illicit activities when we aren’t in class. I wish to represent Eswatini in Sihlangu and play for Highlanders locally and Orlando Pirates in SA.”
Nkosiyati Chibi (Emaselesele - Hhohho): “This opportunity will help us realise our dreams for playing for big teams in the country as well as playing for Sihlangu. Given a chance I would like to play for Mbabane Swallows in Eswatini and Orlando Pirates in South Africa.”
Andiswa Zondo (Hhohho): “We are very thankful for this opportunity as it will help us develop our skills. My dream is to play for Mbabane Swallows Ladies team and Sitsebe the women’s national team.”
Bongeka Dvuba (Lubombo): “I would like to thank EFA and FIFA for this exciting programme which is going to enhance our skills. I can’t specifically say which team I want to play for now, but my dream is to represent the country.”