Times Of Swaziland: SWIMMING OFFICIAL ‘SLUGA’ OFF TO HUNGARY

SWIMMING OFFICIAL ‘SLUGA’ OFF TO HUNGARY
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Mengameli Mabuza on 07/12/2024 07:45:00


MBABANE - You cannot keep a good man down.
This is the story of Eswatini-based swimming official and coach, Meluleki
‘Sluga’ Simelane, who has been nominated as an International Technical
Official (ITO) for the upcoming SC World Championships in Budapest, Hungary,
starting next week. Sharing the news, Eswatini Swimming Association (ESA)
Secretary General Nozipho Mahlalela said ‘Sluga’ will be representing
Eswatini at the prestigious event.
The pelicans swimming coach, who also serves as a Public Relations Officer (PRO)
for Moneni Pirates swimming, will depart from Eswatini today and return on
December 17, ensuring his availability for the duration of the competition. The
ever-humble Mahlalela added that star swimmer Siwakhile Dlamini will be flying
solo at the SC World Aquatics Championships. This follows the suspension of
Damien de Sousa from all association activities, pending an investigation into
his failure to attend the mandatory training camp ahead of the Africa Aquatics
Zone IV Championships in Namibia.
Despite initial support for de Sousa to compete in the Budapest event, the
athlete’s absence at the training camp was deemed a violation of association
regulations, leading to his suspension. “As an association, we take immense
pride in witnessing the growth of Meluleki and his continued representation of
our country on an international scale. His dedication, perseverance and
outstanding performance have not only earned him recognition but have also
served as an inspiration for aspiring officials in our country. It is with great
pleasure that we extend our congratulations and support to him, as he continues
to shine and carry our flag with great pride,” Mahlalela stated. Meanwhile,
the former Sports Personality of the Year who was recently in Botswana for the
National Swimming Championships with fellow official Mark Haore, expressed his
excitement ahead of the Budapest tournament.
Officiating
“As an official, my primary objective is to uphold the integrity of the
tournament by enforcing the rules and regulations while ensuring the safety of
the athletes. My presence on the pool deck is intended to provide impartial
officiating, ensuring that the competition is fair and equitable. I am dedicated
to delivering a professional and well-organised tournament, collaborating
effectively with my fellow officials, the athletes and the tournament organisers
to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for all,” he said.
The 2024 SC World Championships are scheduled for December 10-15 in Budapest,
Hungary. The city is home to two well-known lions, one on each side of the Chain
Bridge. The Chain Bridge connects the west and east sides of the city and is the
oldest bridge in Budapest over the Danube River. The championships will welcome
swimmers from all around the world for five days of intense, fast-paced
competition in the short course pool. The championships are sure to bring
together the world’s most talented swimmers, all vying for the coveted titles
and the chance to showcase their skills on the global stage.