LAMULELA KEEN ON AFRICAN CHAMPS

MBABANE – Lamulela Magagula, a promising young judoka from Eswatini, is setting her sights on the upcoming Judo African Championships in Egypt scheduled from April 25 to 28, 2024.

Her journey to this prestigious event has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by dedication, perseverance and a string of impressive victories. The 17-year-old athlete has been diligently honing her skills at the High-Performance Training Centre (HPC) at the University of Pretoria (UP), in preparation for the championships. Her training journey began under the guidance of Bulgarian coach, Sensei Nicolai, who played a pivotal role in shaping her judo prowess. Following his departure, Lamulela continued her training with South African (SA) coaches, Sensei Zack and Sensei Patrick, whose expertise further elevated her performance.

commitment

Lamulela’s commitment and hard work came to fruition at the Gauteng Open held at Wits University this past Saturday. In a remarkable display of proficiency and grit, she clinched a gold medal in group five, which caters to athletes born in the 2004-2006 corridors. Notably, despite being born in 2005, Lamulela also competed in the seniors group six, meant for athletes born in 2003 and earlier, where she secured a silver medal. This outstanding achievement is a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering spirit. Guiding Lamulela through her remarkable journey is her coach, Sensei Mashumi Sihlongonyane, a seasoned judoka who has participated in four World Championships. His mentorship and expertise have been instrumental in shaping Lamulela into the formidable athlete she is today. In addition to her success, Lamulela’s achievements have brought pride and recognition to the Eswatini Judo Federation (EJF).

exposure

The federation, under the leadership of its President, Princess Thobile, has fostered collaborations with the HPC at UP and Judo Mozambique, providing Eswatini judokas, including Lamulela, with invaluable international exposure and training opportunities. As part of this initiative, athletes will soon undergo training in Maputo, followed by their participation in the South African National Ranking Event in Pretoria on February 24. The EJF is not only celebrating Lamulela’s accomplishments, but is also dedicated to nurturing and preparing other talented athletes for representation at the upcoming South African National Ranking Event. The federation’s commitment to equipping and supporting young judokas underscores their vision to elevate the sport and empower aspiring athletes. What sets Lamulela apart is not only her exceptional talent on the judo mat, but also her remarkable ability to balance her academic pursuits with her athletic career.

demonstrating

Her dedication to excelling in both domains serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating that with unwavering determination and hard work, one can achieve success on multiple fronts; hence four other judokas have been held in reserve. “We are working hard to equip four other athletes earmarked to form the male team for representation in the National Ranking Event in SA,” revealed the EJF President. As Lamulela continues her journey towards the African Championships her story stands as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance and unwavering dedication. With the staunch support of her coaches, the EJF and her own unyielding spirit, the youngster is poised to make her mark on the international judo stage, carrying the hopes and aspirations of her nation with her.

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