MBABANE – Taekwondo sensation Siphiwokuhle Ndlela has emerged as one of Eswatini’s most outstanding athletes of the year, showcasing world-class prowess on both the local and international stage.
The teenager collected a staggering 12 medals in 2025, headlined by six gold, three silver and three bronze. Her achievements spanned across the continent, proving her mettle far beyond the kingdom’s borders.
Locally, the rising star stole the show by striking gold at the Next Generation Championship in June. Her domestic dominance continued with two gold medals at the National Selection Championship in Lobamba, followed by another gold at the National Schools Championship.
Ndlela’s international breakthrough began mid-year when she snatched two bronze medals at the maiden African Schools Games in Algeria. She followed this in September with a gold medal at the African Zone VI Series in Maputo, Mozambique.
That performance secured her a spot in the competition’s inaugural finals in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where she claimed a prestigious silver medal in November.
She rounded off her stellar year just two weeks ago at the ANOCA (Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa) Youth Games in Luanda, Angola, where she added two silvers and a bronze to her tally.
Remarkably, Ndlela only took up the sport in 2023. Her first taste of international success came last year with a silver medal in Lesotho, and she admits that competing abroad has been her greatest motivator.
“I have limited experience in the sport, especially internationally, but participating in these competitions has encouraged me to become a better athlete. It was challenging at first because I was overweight, but I managed to shed the kilos through hard work and encouragement from my masters,” she said.
Eswatini Taekwondo Federation (ETF) Vice Secretary Mbongeni Nsibandze lauded her performance.
“To collect this many medals in a single year is truly remarkable. It fills us with pride to know the future of taekwondo in Eswatini is secure. With more training and continued discipline, she can become one of the best in the world,” he said.
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