BY THEMBA ZWANE
EZULWINI- FNB Eswatini has applauded the Kingdom for demonstrating its capability to host an international sporting event of the calibre of the FNB Eswatini Challenge, saying the tournament is already creating a positive ripple effect across the country’s economy and tourism sector.
FNB Eswatini Chief Marketing Officer Sibusile Dlamini made the remarks on Thursday morning during the official tee-off of the fifth edition of the FNB Eswatini Challenge at the Ezulwini Golf and Country Club.
Dlamini said the successful commencement of the tournament was a clear indication of Eswatini’s ability to stage a high-profile professional golf event that attracts players from around the world.
The tournament has attracted more than 100 professional golfers from across the globe, including 15 emaSwati who are competing for honours.
“We are very excited that the beautiful Kingdom can host a challenge and tournament of this calibre,” Dlamini said.
She said the tournament’s impact extended beyond the golf course, with the hospitality and retail sectors already benefiting from the influx of players, officials and other visitors.
“We all do know the ripple effects of such sporting events. This doesn’t only contribute toward economic development, but it also contributes toward the tourism sector,” she said.
Dlamini said hotels and other hospitality establishments were experiencing increased activity, while local retailers were also benefiting from the tournament.
The FNB Eswatini Challenge carries a lucrative winner’s prize of E396,000, with the overall champion set to be crowned on Saturday.
FNB Eswatini has also set aside E60,000 specifically for local professional golfers. The money will be shared among the top three emaSwati finishers, an initiative Dlamini said was aimed at encouraging local golfers to take the next step in their careers.
She said the initiative was important in creating opportunities for local players to attain and compete at professional level.
The tournament, held under the theme “Rise to the Challenge,” will also feature a junior component, with the FNB Eswatini Junior Golf Challenge scheduled for tomorrow at the MTN Golf Park.
The junior tournament will bring together 30 young golfers drawn from all four regions of Eswatini.
Dlamini said the inclusion of the junior tournament demonstrated FNB Eswatini’s commitment to developing the next generation of golfers while providing them with opportunities to compete and gain experience.
The FNB Eswatini Challenge is being supported by several partners, including AD Enterprises, Destiny Music, MTN, Oracle and Scion Republic, which is the official designer of the FNB Lorae jacket to be worn by the eventual champion.
Dlamini also expressed appreciation to the Sunshine Tour teams for their role in helping ensure the successful staging of the tournament.
She said FNB Eswatini remained grateful to all partners who had contributed to the fifth edition of the prestigious tournament.
With the competition now underway, attention turns to the battle for the championship, as more than 100 professionals vie for the coveted title and the E396,000 winner’s purse.
For Eswatini, however, the tournament represents more than just a golf competition. It is also an opportunity to showcase the Kingdom as a capable host of major international sporting events while driving activity in tourism, hospitality and retail.
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(Courtesy Pic)
