Times Of Swaziland: 18 GOLD MEDALS FOR TAEKWONDO IN PRETORIA

18 GOLD MEDALS FOR TAEKWONDO IN PRETORIA
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BY NTOKOZO MAGONGO on 08/10/2019 01:06:00


MBABANE – They reign supreme. That is the Eswatini Taekwondo Federation (ETF)
artists, who brought home 18 gold medals during the Second Tuks Taekwondo
Championships held on Saturday in Pretoria, South Africa. In overall, the team
of 28 artists brought a total of 36 medals, eight silver and 10 bronze.
The team was dominated by a development squad and they competed against artists
from countries including Angola, Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana, Malawi and South
Africa. ATF Secretary Mbongeni ‘Ndo’ Sibandze said the competition was
divided into categories being the Poomsae and Kyorugi.
“Our five, that represented the country in Uzbekistan in August, were a cut
above the rest, winning most of their fights with high score margins. We are so
pleased with the overall of the team. Most of the artists were competing for the
first time in international competitions but they did well,” he said.
Sibandze said among those who did well on the day included nine-year-old Mellisa
Dlamini, who had to play against two boys before reaching the finals. She then
won a gold medal in sparing and bronze in poomsae.
“Thank you to the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC) through the
Ministry for providing transport for the team. We also thank the parents who
accompanied the team to support their children. They ensured that everyone was
well taken care of. Thanks to team Manager, Sabamnin Sizwe Mshengu Mabuza and
team coach Manqoba Motsa for keeping the players motivated before, during and
after the competition.”