BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – Team Eswatini may have endured a slow start at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, but hopes of a strong showing remain firmly intact as several of the country’s athletes are yet to make their mark on the international stage.
The Kingdom’s opening day campaign saw boxer Siboniso Vilakati bow out in the men’s 55kg round of 32 after losing by unanimous decision (5-0) to Namibia’s Philip Haoseb. In the swimming pool, Damien De Sousa and Hayley Hoy also failed to progress beyond their respective heats in the men’s 50m freestyle and women’s 200m freestyle events.
While the early results may not have gone Team Eswatini’s way, they represent only the beginning of the country’s Commonwealth Games journey.
There is still plenty to look forward to, with a number of medal hopefuls and promising athletes yet to compete in Glasgow. Boxer Mukelo Dlamini will fly the national flag in the men’s 60kg division, while Lamulela Magagula will take to the mat in the women’s 63kg judo competition.
The athletics team is also expected to provide excitement, with sprinters Mlandvo Maziya and Thandaza Zwane set to compete in both the men’s and women’s 100m and 200m events respectively. Bongumuzi Matsebula will contest the men’s 400m race, while Bongiwe Mahlalela is scheduled for the women’s 100m and 200m.
Swimming still offers another opportunity for Team Eswatini to shine, with Siwakhile Dlamini expected to compete in the 50m and 100m freestyle events.
Historically, Eswatini has demonstrated resilience at major international competitions, and Glasgow 2026 presents another opportunity for the nation’s athletes to rise to the occasion. The Kingdom is still chasing its first Commonwealth Games medal in two decades, having last reached the podium when boxer Simanga Shiba won bronze at the Melbourne Games in 2006.
With several events still to come before the Games conclude on August 2, Team Eswatini’s medal ambitions remain alive. The opening setbacks have done little to dampen the fighting spirit that the country’s athletes have become known for.
For now, the message from Glasgow is clear – the Games are far from over, and there is still everything to compete for.
Team Eswatini athletes still to compete:
Mukelo Dlamini (Boxing – 60kg)
Lamulela Magagula (Judo – 63kg)
Mlandvo Maziya (Athletics – 100m and 200m)
Thandaza Zwane (Athletics – 100m and 200m)
Bongumuzi Matsebula (Athletics – 400m)
Bongiwe Mahlalela (Athletics – 100m and 200m)
Siwakhile Dlamini (Swimming – 50m and 100m freestyle)
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(Courtesy Pic)
