MBABANE – Team Eswatini’s netball side is experiencing mixed results during their Test series in Botswana.
The senior women’s national netball team began their fixtures at the Jwaneng Debswana Courts on July 27, 2026, with the matches scheduled to conclude on July 29, 2026.
The results so far have showcased a fierce contest on the court. In one of the matches, Botswana defeated Eswatini 43-34. Another fixture ended in a hard-fought 41-41 draw.
In a separate encounter, Botswana edged Eswatini 50-48. Breaking down that thrilling contest quarter by quarter, the opening quarter ended level at 12-12. Eswatini then produced a strong second quarter to take a 27-19 lead at half-time. Botswana fought back in the third quarter, but Eswatini remained ahead 39-35 going into the final period. The hosts staged a late comeback to snatch a narrow 50-48 victory.
Some of the players who travelled to Botswana to represent the nation include shooters Vumile Vilakati, Nonkululeko Sihlongonyane, Vuyisile Thusi, Tanele Msibi and Bathabile Nkambule.
The mid-court features Abigail Simelane, Cebile Sibandze, Phumlile Myeni, Nomcebo Sibandze and Nonhle Hlophe, while the defensive line comprises Gcebile Dlamini, Lindelwa Dlamini, Mukelwa Magagula, Qondile Mabuza and Nontsikelelo Mdluli.
Meanwhile, the Botswana tour comes as the Eswatini National Netball Association (ENNA) intensifies preparations for the upcoming Africa Netball Cup in Kenya. The association has revealed that it requires E1 million to send both the men’s and women’s national teams to the continental tournament and has appealed to corporate organisations, stakeholders and members of the public for financial assistance to ensure Team Eswatini participates.
