MBABANE — As the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games approach, Eswatini’s sprinting powerhouse Mlandvo Maziya is gearing up to lock horns with Africa’s fastest men on the global stage.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) athlete, who has established domestic dominance across the short sprints, is officially spearheading the country’s track ambitions in Scotland. The global multi-sport event will run from July 23 to August 2, 2026, with the eagerly-awaited athletics programme scheduled to take over Scotstoun Stadium from July 27 to August 1.
Standing between Maziya and ultimate track glory are continental heavyweights, who have already laid down serious markers for the season. Kenya’s reigning Commonwealth champion Ferdinand Omanyala recently clocked a blistering 10.00 seconds at his national trials, while South Africa’s veteran speedster Akani Simbine anchors a fearsomely deep Proteas squad hungry for podium finishes. The field is further complicated by rising stars like teenage sensation Bayanda Walaza and Shaun Maswanganyi, ensuring the blue-riband events will be fought at a punishing pace.
However, Maziya, whose fastest time in 100 metres is 10.64 seconds, is carrying more than just personal ambition into the blocks. Eswatini has arrived in Glasgow chasing its first Commonwealth Games medal in 20 years, which is a long podium drought dating back to Simanga ‘The Boer’ Shiba’s boxing bronze at the Melbourne 2006 Games.
Backed by national Coach Sibusiso ‘SwaziBolt’ Matsenjwa, Maziya’s explosive raw pace and recent dominant domestic showings indicate he is hitting peak physical condition at precisely the right moment to shatter the country’s multi-decade curse.
While the international spotlight remains trained on sub-10 second giants like Omanyala and Simbine, Eswatini’s premier sprinter represents a dangerous wildcard capable of crashing the continental party. For Maziya, Glasgow is not merely a chance to test his limits against Africa’s elite; it is a historic opportunity to write a new chapter in Eswatini’s sporting history.
Meanwhile, the country’s last Commonwealth Games medallist, Shiba, in an interview with the organisers, expressed hope the country would end the two-decade jinx.
“I hope that Eswatini can bring home another medal. There is real potential in my country, but the lack of resources makes it difficult to fulfil. Athletes still struggle with basics like training kits and competition gear,” he was quoted saying. From today, Team Eswatini is expected to start leaving for Glasgow. The country will further be represented in swimming, boxing and judo. At least 19 African nations are expected to be represented at the Glasgow Game.
