BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
NOKWANE – Army Commander Lieutenant General Moses Mashikilisane Fakudze says the 2026 UEDF Commander Cup will not only improve the physical fitness and wellness of soldiers, but will also strengthen relationships among members of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) across all army barracks in Eswatini.
The 2026 UEDF Commander’s Sports Tournament will run from May 27 to September 30, 2026.
Speaking on May 13, 2026 during the launch of the tournament at Nokwane Defence Headquarters, Lt Gen Fakudze said the sporting competition was aligned with the vision of King Mswati III, who has consistently encouraged EmaSwati to exercise and maintain healthy lifestyles.
He said the tournament would create a platform for soldiers to interact beyond the workplace and build stronger bonds through sport and culture.
“This tournament will help improve the health and wellness of our soldiers while also creating an opportunity for members of the UEDF to know each other better and strengthen relationships,” said Lt Gen Fakudze.
The Army Commander said all members of the army from different barracks across the country would participate in the competition, adding that the initiative supported His Majesty’s call for EmaSwati to exercise their bodies and live healthier lives.
Representing Director of Sports Colonel Delisa Tsabedze, Chief of Personnel Major General Thabo Luhlanga applauded the long-standing partnership between the UEDF and Eswatini Royal Insurance Corporation (ESRIC), which has sponsored the tournament since its inception 12 years ago.
Luhlanga said the UEDF would this month celebrate 15 years of partnership with ESRIC, describing the relationship as valuable to the growth of sports within the armed forces.
“Through the support of ESRIC, we have successfully hosted the UEDF Commander’s Sports Tournament since its inception. We are forever grateful for the company’s vision and continuous support,” he said.
He also thanked UEDF personnel for continuing to participate in sports despite demanding work schedules and commended Commanding Officers and Sports Officers for supporting troops in sporting activities.
Competitions will include soccer, netball and volleyball, while military games will feature route march, obstacle crossing, shooting, map orienteering and drill competitions. Other activities will include tug of war, indoor games such as snooker and draft, as well as cultural performances including sibhaca and kutsamba.
Luhlanga said new categories such as obstacle crossing, indoor games and cultural competitions had been introduced this year to broaden participation and increase excitement during the tournament season.
Meanwhile, Gcebile Simelane, who represented the ESRIC General Manager, said the company valued its long relationship with the army and remained committed to supporting initiatives that promote the physical and mental wellbeing of soldiers.
Simelane said the tournament played an important role in improving both physical and mental health among soldiers and urged participants to uphold fairness and discipline throughout the competition.
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