MBABANE – Eswatini’s emerging martial arts talent has once again made its mark on the international stage.
This follows a three-medal haul at the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Youth Games in Luanda, Angola. Leading the charge for the local contingent is Siphiwokuhle Ndlela, who delivered a standout performance to claim silver in the individual poomsae category.
Poomsae, a discipline within taekwondo, consists of choreographed patterns that simulate combat against imaginary opponents, testing an athlete’s precision, balance and philosophical mastery of the art.
Ndlela doubled her tally shortly after, partnering with Kwazile Mkoko to secure a second silver medal for the kingdom. Rounding out the podium finishes, Bongumusa Mkhatjwa fought his way to a bronze medal.
Under government’s current podium incentive policy, these achievements carry significant financial rewards.
A gold medal attracts a payment of E20 000, while silver and bronze earn athletes E10 000 and E5 000, respectively.
To date, the trio’s two silvers and one bronze have guaranteed a combined payout of E25 000.
The athletes are accompanied by Eswatini Taekwondo Federation (ETF) Vice Secretary and Coach Mbongeni Nsibandze.
Confirming the results, Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) Marketing and Communications Officer Mkhulisi Dlamini expressed optimism for the remaining days of the tournament.
“So far, the taekwondo artists have secured three medals. We hope for more as they are still due to partake in further bouts,” Dlamini stated.
Mkoko was scheduled to compete in the kyorugi (sparring) event yesterday, though results were pending at the time of going to press.
This latest success follows a string of strong performances for the squad. Ndlela arrived in Angola fresh from securing bronze at the 2025 African Open Series in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Meanwhile, Mkhatjwa’s bronze in Luanda comes after a hard-fought run that ended in the semi-finals of his category.
The games, which commenced last week, are set to conclude this Saturday. While the taekwondo squad celebrates, it was a tougher outing for the boxing duo of Nothando Mshayise and Robert Bhila, both of whom were eliminated in their respective bouts.
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