Times Of Swaziland: ‘SWAZI BOLT’ IS NATIONAL ATHLETICS COMMISSION CHAIRMAN

‘SWAZI BOLT’ IS NATIONAL ATHLETICS COMMISSION CHAIRMAN
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BY NTOKOZO MAGONGO on 20/09/2021 08:23:00


MBABANE – The country’s sprinter, Sibusiso ‘Swazi Bolt’ Matsenjwa, is
the new National Athletics Commission (NAC) Chairman.
He was elected on Friday afternoon during the elections held at the Eswatini
Football Association (EFA), Sigwaca House offices. The commission was
established on Friday ahead of the elections. The responsibility of the
Chairperson among others is to represent all athletes countrywide at the
National Olympic Committee (NOC). Vice Chairman of the commission is Darren Dun
from cycling while the rest of the members include athletes Phumlile Ndzinisa
from athletics, Simanga Dlamini from swimming and Thabiso Dlamini from boxing.
The Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC) alongside their partners, the
Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) are behind the
establishment of the commission. ESRC Media Officer Dumisani Ntiwane said this
was an athlete body that would be responsible for lobbying and being the
mouthpiece of athletes. “This body will oversee the development of athletes in
the country and will also annually meet the Minister of Sport, Culture and Youth
Affairs, to appraise him and or update the minister on the state of athletes.
Matsenjwa said it was an honour to represent the voice of all Eswatini athletes
in their different sporting codes.
honoured
Matsenjwa said he was honoured to be elected the chairman of such an important
commission. “As the chairperson, this is a beginning of a milestone for me, a
trademark to be exact. I hope to serve without any favour and place each and
every individual athlete’s needs first. I believe that we there will be growth
in terms of opportunities to all athletes,” he said. The Eswatini Royal Police
Service (REPS) Athletics Club athlete added that what he wanted was for all
athletes to be recognised by stakeholders.
“Recognition plays a massive role towards inspiration and motivation hence the
need for the right body to harness such qualities in every athlete. Luckily I am
in the same boat as other athletes meaning I am well aware of the challenges
athletes face and I hope to assist and possibly bring forth better strategies
and adequate resources that will water our growth as athletes,” he said.
challenges
There would be challenges along the journey but I believe that’s where the
beauty lies. I am truly honoured to be part of such an endeavour as I trust it
will give birth to a lot of possibilities for me and other athletes as we shall
ensure every athlete’s needs are met. It’s a blessing really, and I hope to
bring forth better opportunities, training facilities as well as professional
treatment which may and will ensure world class performances from every athlete
internationally,” he concluded.