BY VUYISWA MABILA
MBABANE – Young swimmer Luca Fraser has officially been cleared to return to competitive swimming following a successful mediation process facilitated by the EOCGA.
Fraser was previously suspended during the African Aquatics Junior Championships in Egypt over the past three months. In a move aimed at resolving the matter, the Athlete (and his parent), the Eswatini Swimming Association (ESA) and EOCGA engaged in a formal mediation process to address the issue. The resolution was announced during a media briefing on the 25th of July 2025 at King Mswati III International Airport.
Speaking during the mediation briefing the president of Eswatini Swimming association, Pedro Nunes expressed his appreciation to the EOCGA and ESRC for their commitment to engaging in meaningful dialogue.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games and the Eswatini Sports and Recreation Council for their commitment in engaging in meaningful dialogue and taking steps to resolve a matter that had become a serious concern to the swimming association and the athlete involved, together with his family.” Said Nunes.
He further mentioned that the executive board expressed their sincere apology to the athlete, to the parents and to all those affected.
“I therefore wish to inform the public and all our stakeholders that we have since made the decision to formally withdraw all the charges against the athlete and unconditionally lift his suspension. This marked not only the resolution of a difficult chapter but also a powerful moment of growth and maturity for the sport’s leadership.” Emphasized Nunes.
Throughout the process, both parties demonstrated full cooperation and a shared commitment to reaching a constructive outcome. As a result of the agreement, ESA has formally withdrawn all charges against Luca Fraser, clearing the way for his reinstatement to the sport.
Speaking to this publication Lynette Russo, Luca’s mother also expressed her gratitude to EOCGA for standing firmly and working hard in finding a resolution.
“I wish to begin by extending my sincere gratitude to the EOCGA and in particular, its chief executive officer Mr Maxwell Jele, for his decisive and commendable intervention in this matter.” She said.
President of Athletics Eswatini Mr Zakhele Dlamini who was the mediator involved in the case commended both parties for their professionalism and willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue for the benefit of the sport and the athlete.
(Courtesy Pics)
