BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE- The Eswatini Junior Tennis Team departed for Botswana on January 8, 2026, to compete in the ITF/CAT Junior Competition (Southern Africa) in Gaborone.
The team consist of six athletes which are Zwelethu Mkhonta, Bulelani Khumalo, Sivesimile Mkhaliphi, Sabusiswa Tsabedze, Sinengcebo Ntshalintshali, and Amantle Mngadi. There team is expected to return on January 18, 2026. They are accompanied by Coach Njabulo Mbhamati and officials from the Eswatini National Tennis Association.
The send-off was led by Maxwell Jele, CEO of the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA), who expressed pride in the dedication and progress of the young athletes. “We are proud of how far these juniors have come, and we trust they will represent Eswatini with excellence both on and off the court,” said Jele.
Jele also emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and national representation, urging the athletes to compete with determination while upholding the values of respect and discipline. He thanked the Sports Councils for their support, which has been vital in preparing the juniors for this regional tournament.
The competition in Gaborone will see the Eswatini team face some of Southern Africa’s top junior tennis players. Beyond performance, the tournament offers the athletes valuable international experience, helping to develop their skills for future competitions.
Coach Njabulo Mbhamati encouraged the players to remain focused and take full advantage of the learning opportunity. “This is more than just matches; it’s a chance to grow as athletes and individuals,” he said, noting that discipline and teamwork would be key to success.
The departure of the team reflects Eswatini’s ongoing commitment to nurturing young sports talent. With support from national sports bodies, these junior athletes are poised to showcase their skills on an international platform and make the nation proud.
Fans are encouraged to follow the team’s journey and cheer for Eswatini as the juniors compete in Botswana from January 8 to 18. Their dedication is seen as a strong indicator of the country’s growing potential in tennis and other youth sports.
#EswatiniTennis #JuniorSports #ITFJuniorCompetition #TeamEswatini
(Courtesy Pic)
