MANZINI – A major boost!
In a significant boost for Eswatini tennis, the Swaziland Building Society (SBS) has increased its support for the Eswatini National Tennis Association (ENTA) with a generous E120 000 sponsorship for the 2025/2026 season. This represents a E20 000 uplift from last year’s E100 000 commitment, underscoring SBS’s steadfast dedication to fostering the sport in the kingdom.
The announcement was made by ENTA President Nqaba Mkhaliphi during the association’s annual general meeting (AGM) at The George Hotel yesterday.
Speaking with evident enthusiasm, Mkhaliphi described the sponsorship as a milestone in the enduring partnership between SBS and ENTA, which has flourished for over 25 years. “We are delighted to announce that Swaziland Building Society has pledged E120 000 for the upcoming season, an increase of E20 000 from last year. This gesture reflects the strength of our partnership and SBS’s commitment to advancing tennis in Eswatini. We are deeply grateful for their unwavering support,” Mkhaliphi declared.
The enhanced sponsorship will bolster ENTA’s initiatives, with ambitious plans already underway. Mkhaliphi revealed that finalists in this year’s tournaments will wear SBS-branded T-shirts and caps, a move designed to deepen the synergy between the association and its sponsor.
To further strengthen this bond, he encouraged players to open accounts with SBS, noting that prize money will be deposited directly into these accounts. Looking ahead, ENTA has bold aspirations for the season. The association is planning a corporate tennis tournament in October to engage businesses and promote greater community involvement in the sport.
However, the ultimate goal is to host the Confederation of African Tennis (CAT) AGM in 2026—a landmark event that would firmly establish Eswatini on the continental tennis stage. “This is our greatest ambition. Hosting the CAT AGM would be a historic moment for Eswatini tennis, and with SBS support, we are determined to make it a reality,” Mkhaliphi said, his voice brimming with determination.
The sponsorship boost comes at a critical juncture for ENTA as it seeks to expand its reach and elevate the standard of tennis in the kingdom. During the AGM, members also voted unanimously to adopt an amended ENTA constitution, supported by eight of the 11 clubs present. The amendment, endorsed by the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA), aligns ENTA’s constitution with EOCGA’s framework for member associations.
Meanwhile, the Mkhaliphi-led executive, in office for just two and a half months, is still finding its feet but remains resolute in driving the association’s vision forward.
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