BY NTOKOZO MAGONGO
MBABANE – A day of triumph for Junior Sibandze, who emerged as the standout player and winner of an E10 000 bursary during the Build It Under-13 Championships held at Mavuso Sports Centre.
Representing the Mbabane Build It team, Sibandze outshone over 100 participants from eight competing teams, clinching the title of Best Player. His team also secured the championship, earning each player an E500 Build It voucher.
The E10 000 bursary will support Sibandze’s school fees and educational needs in 2025, a gesture celebrated by the Eswatini Football Association (EFA). “Congratulations to the Build It Mbabane Pick Team for being the champions of the Build It U13 National Championship (each player to get an E500 Build It shopping voucher),” read a statement from the EFA.
Additional Winners
- Anele Dlamini: Top Goal Scorer, awarded a 2,500-liter Africa Tank valued at E3 000.
- Sebenele Mavuso: Best Goalkeeper, awarded a bicycle worth E1 900.
Dlamini and Mavuso were part of the victorious Mbabane Build It team, which dominated the event. Competing Build It stores included Manzini, Matsapha, Pigg’s Peak, Buhleni, Siteki, Siphofaneni, and Nhlangano.
Motivation from a Football Legend
Former Sihlangu and South African football legend William ‘Cool Cat’ Shongwe inspired the young players during the tournament. Shongwe emphasized that the Build It Under-13 National Championship serves as a vital platform for nurturing future football stars.
