Times Of Swaziland: ‘GOLDEN GIRL’ LAMULELA TO GET E20K

‘GOLDEN GIRL’ LAMULELA TO GET E20K
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Melusi Mkhabela on 20/06/2024 07:45:00


MBABANE – Eswatini’s ever-green Judoka Lamulela Magagula is set to receive
recognition from the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs following her
gold medal triumph in Ivory Coast.
Magagula recently participated in the Abidjan African Open Championships in
Ivory Coast and delivered a brilliant performance on the mat. Competing in the
63kg category, she emerged victorious by defeating Ivory Coast’s Sarah Dabonne
and Gabon’s Asseghe Bidouele to claim the gold at the competition, positioning
her for the incentive of E20 000 from government.
The Eswatini Sports and Recreation Council (ESRC) Media Officer, Dumisani
Ntiwane, revealed the figures involved for podium finishers.  Ntiwane disclosed
that a podium finish in a regional, continental, or international competition
entailed the same cash incentives. Up to E20 000 is for a gold medal; E15 000
for silver; and E10 000 for bronze.
Meanwhile, ESRC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Darius Dlomo expressed the sports
fraternity’s excitement about Magagula’s achievement on the international
stage.
“Because of such achievements, we have a policy that deals with motivating the
athletes who do well in international events. Lamulela will soon be recognised
by the minister for her gold medal achievement in Ivory Coast,” he stated.
Moreover, Magagula expressed a sense of accomplishment upon winning the gold
medal, showing immense gratitude to the coaches and individuals who assisted her
in performing exceptionally well. She also acknowledged the tough level of
competition during the Abidjan African Open Championships, making her victory
all the more meaningful. Magagula’s achievement in Ivory Coast has also been
recognised as one of former African Judo Champion, Tertius Esterhuysen’s top
three sporting moments in his career. Tertius, who is also the Eswatini Judo
Federation (EJF) Secretary General, highlighted that Magagula deserved the gold
medal with the amount of work she put in to excel in the sport. It is also worth
noting that Magagula now ranks 46th in the world with 100 points accumulated
under the 63kg category.