Forces clubs dominate track and field

MBABANE – Eswatini and Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) top sprinter Sibusiso ‘Swazi Bolt’ Matsenjwa is disappointed by the level of competitiveness among athletes.

Matsenjwa was reacting after winning the 200 metres heat two race yesterday at Mavuso Sport Centre during the Athletics Eswatini (AE) second track and field event.

“Local competitions boost my confidence, which will also help me as I compete with athletes beyond the borders. It’s not like I disrespect local athletes; there is no competition locally but I think the more we have competitions like this, it could improve. I think also the support from government such as taking athletes outside the country could expose them and let them observe the standard,” said Matsenjwa.

He mentioned that there was a need to strengthen athletics in schools, as it was where they developed to revive the competition. He also felt the inaccessible tracks at Mavuso were a major setback for some athletes.

“I may not know the price but that is a lot of money and as well as we’re athletes; it doesn’t mean that we getting a lot, it’s out of passion. So, I feel the relevant authority is working on this so athletes may access it (Mavuso) at lower prices maybe or even free,” the top sprinter said.

Benefit

Matsenjwa believed that yesterday’s event would benefit him a lot as there were so many domestic and international competitions lined up this year.

He missed the first track and field event that was two weeks ago but came back and made his presence felt yesterday. As if highly motivated by the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association’s (EOCGA) recognition as being the country’s top athlete, he wrapped the 200 metres just in 20 seconds. However, hot in his heels was his counterpart Mlandvo Maziya, who was two seconds late.

Yesterday’s event saw a decline in numbers despite AE saying it was compulsory for athletes to participate in a bid to qualify for the national championships.