By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – Six athletes proudly represented the nation at the South Africa AGN League and Tshwane South District competition held in Pilditch, Pretoria on Saturday.
The athletes who exhibited exceptional performances across various events are Bongiwe Mahlalela, Bakhona Sikhondze, Mayibongwe Vilakati, Ayanda Malaza, Thandaza Zwane, and Lihle Ginindza.
Athletics Eswatini (AE) acknowledged the athletes’ achievements and extended their congratulations. “We are delighted to celebrate six outstanding athletes from Eswatini, including three from Manzini Athletics Club (MAC), one from Correctional Athletics Club, one from TZD Sports Club, and one from REPS Athletics Club. They have made a significant impact on the international stage this Saturday in Pilditch, Pretoria. Congratulations to all for representing Eswatini with pride,” reads a statement from EFA.
Royal Eswatini Police Services (REPS) athlete Bongiwe Mahlalela, who is based in South Africa, secured victory in heat four of the women’s 100m with a time of 12.26 seconds. Bakhona Sikhondze, competing for Manzini Athletics Club (MAC), clinched second place in the men’s 110m hurdles with a time of 16.04 seconds and finished sixth in heat seven of the men’s 100m with a time of 12.03 seconds.
Another remarkable performance was delivered by Mayibongwe Vilakati from TZD Sports Club, who recorded a time of 1:55.10 minutes in the men’s 800m, finishing sixth. Ayanda Malaza from MAC achieved fourth place in the men’s 100m with a time of 11.21 seconds.
Correctional Service sprinter Thandaza Zwane triumphed in heat 11 of the men’s 100m with a time of 10.65 seconds and completed the men’s 400m with a time of 48.74 seconds. Lihle Ginindza from MAC finished second in the 100m with a time of 10.72 seconds in heat one.
