BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – Athletics Eswatini (AE) is hosting it’s biggest event on the calendar this coming Saturday at Mavuso Sports Centre, the Senior National Championships, and top athletes from Mauritius, Mozambique, South Africa and Lesotho are expected to arrive for participation.
This transpired during a press briefing on June 9, 2026 at Sigwaca House where Athletics Eswatini (AE) President Zakhele Dlamini said they were expecting fireworks as local athletes were hungry for the tournament because they were cognisant of the fact that this is the very same event that produces champions for the next year.
“All is in order, we have done everything we are supposed to do in as far as preparations are concerned,” he said.
Dlamini noted that two competitions were hosted which were used as qualifiers for these upcoming Senior National Championships. He pointed out that the ball was now on the athletes’ courts to deliver and mentioned that all events will be at the finals stage except the 100 mentres and 200 metres events where there will be two heats in each category (semifinals).
The president revealed further that they have sent invitations to neighbouring countries to attend the National Championships. These invited countries include Mozambique, South Africa and Lesotho. It transpired that Mauritius athletes also expected to arrive for participation.
He noted that medaling will only be for Emaswati and this means, if a Liswati athlete obtains number two or three in an event, he or she will get a hold medal as having one that particular event. Though visiting nations will also get the medals, but Emaswati will be prioritised.
The president invited families and the entire nation to come an watch the Senior National Championships. He asked that they made the day, a family fun day as entry will be free for all. Distinguished guests from government and local sports bodies are also expected to be present at the National Championships.
He then appreciated the team that participated at the SACA games in Mauritius and the support afforded to the federation.
“The team that represented Eswatini at the 2026 Southern African Championships (SACA) in Mauritius returned home yesterday. It was a big competition where 12 countries participated and as a country, we had sent five athletes to represent the Kingdom and the comprised four males and one female led by a male coach,” said the president.
He then appreciated entities that supported Athletics Eswatini in making the journey possible for these athletes to be able to take part in the competition. These include the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC) and Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA).
The highlight of the championships came when Mvuselelo Mkhwanazi secured Eswatini’s first medal of the competition, claiming bronze in the U20 Men’s 400m final with a time of 51.13 seconds. His achievement ensured that Team Eswatini returned home with a place on the podium and a memorable moment for the nation’s athletics programme.
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