MBABANE – It was not a good first day for Team Eswatini at the ongoing Africa Youth and Junior Championships.
Three athletes competing in the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Under-18/20 Championships were eliminated early in the 100 and 400 metres (m) events.
This was during the third edition of the continental showdown held in Abeokuta, Nigeria.
Four athletes were dispatched to compete in five events for Eswatini, which started on Wednesday and will conclude on Sunday.
However, the first day saw Siphosethu Msibi miss out on qualification for the finals by seconds in the men’s Under-20 sprint.
Msibi came fourth, clocking 50.28 seconds to fall out of qualification, missing it by three seconds.
Meanwhile, Livia Mtsetfwa and Fong Madonsa’s sprints were not so quick to see them advance through the heat races.
Manyatsi was placed seventh in her event, while Madonsa finished in fourth position.
But both sprinters still have the 200m to still try to impress in while Msibi is done with his competition.
An immediate comment from Coach Muzi Mabuza could not be sought yesterday on the performance of his squad.
However, Athletics Eswatini (AE) said they were proud of the commitment, composure and the experience gained by the sprinters, as they are competing with the continent’s best.
Meanwhile, Mayibongwe Vilakati was expected to compete in the 1 500m later yesterday, while he still had the 800m to try to excel towards a podium finish.
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