MANZINI – Eswatini’s national handball teams put up a valiant fight, securing silver medals in both the men’s and women’s categories at the Handball Senior Games Tournament.
The event, held at the Bosco Skills Centre, saw formidable Mozambique claim gold in a fiercely-contested display of skill and sportsmanship.
The tournament, which spanned Saturday and Sunday, showcased intense rivalry between the two nations.
On Saturday, Mozambique’s men’s team triumphed over Eswatini with a 35-29 victory, while their women’s side secured a 38-30 win. Mozambique continued their dominance yesterday, with the men’s team clinching a 43-35 victory and the women’s team sealing a 35-30 win against their Eswatini counterparts.
Yolanda Mamba, 18, from Team Eswatini’s Bigband Handball Club, reflected on the tournament with a mix of disappointment and resolve.
She noted that her team started strong but ‘lost momentum as matches progressed’, attributing this to a possible failure to stick to the coach’s tactics.
Mamba openly acknowledged Mozambique’s superior game plan and technique, particularly in yesterday’s matches where Eswatini had hoped to turn the tide. Looking ahead, she declared confidently: “We’ll aim to win when we play in Maputo in August.”
Thandolwethu Masango, 25, from Team Eswatini Men’s Mhlambanyatsi Handball Club, shed light on the challenges faced during their preparations. He explained that limited training sessions, a result of players living far apart and financial constraints, hampered their performance.
Masango also cited the team’s lack of a solid strategy and struggles with nerves against a formidable opponent as contributing factors. He stressed the importance of self-belief, asserting: “We must believe in ourselves to be sharper on the court.”
The President of the Eswatini Handball Association (EHA), Delisile Manyatsi, lauded the spirit of the tournament, highlighting the unity and sportsmanship displayed. She celebrated the friendly competition that served to strengthen ties between Mozambique and Eswatini.
Manyatsi urged for continued development, stating: “We must ensure our athletes gain further experience and enhance their performance on the court.”
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