BY LINDELWA MYENI
MBABANE– The Eswatini National Netball Association (ENNA) has budgeted E200 000 for the national men’s netball team’s upcoming trip to Kenya, but President Jabulile Thwala says additional support is needed to ensure the players are adequately prepared.
Thwala said the financial demands begin long before the team leaves the country, with funds needed to sustain players during training and cover essential requirements ahead of international competitions.
She explained that the association has to secure accommodation and suitable venues where the team can train before travelling, while also providing food and other necessities for the players.
“The budget that we have for the Kenya trip is E200 000, but there are many things that need to be covered. Even when the team is practising, they need to eat. Sometimes we run out of money while we are still preparing,” Thwala said.
According to Thwala, some players are not employed and therefore struggle to afford basic sporting and personal necessities, including training shoes and toiletries.
She said the association welcomes support in any form from companies, organisations and individuals who are willing to assist the national team.
“Any form of support, we appreciate it. Even if it is a food company, we would really appreciate it and it would greatly contribute to the preparation for the Kenya journey,” she said.
Thwala noted that the team’s needs extend beyond match-day expenses, as players require proper nutrition and other essentials throughout the preparation period.
She said companies could play an important role by supporting specific needs, particularly food, training requirements and personal necessities.
The ENNA president believes such support would ease the financial pressure on the association while allowing the players to focus on their preparations ahead of the Kenya assignment.
With the national men’s team set to face South Africa in a preparatory match at Mavuso Sports Centre this Saturday, Thwala is calling on Emaswati and stakeholders to rally behind the team as it prepares to represent Eswatini internationally.
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