MBABANE – More than 30 volleyball teams are expected to compete for a share of E14 000 at the fourth edition of the Volleyball Galore Eswatini tournament.
The tournament will be played at Bosco Skills Centre from Friday to Sunday. The three-day invitational tournament, which runs from 8am to 5pm, will feature both senior and school teams, with the latter taking part for the first time.
Tournament Founder Zandile Dlamini said the introduction of the schools’ competition was aimed at giving young players valuable match experience and an opportunity to showcase their talent.
“We realised that some schools rarely get the chance to play competitive volleyball. Some will only play one or two matches during the season, so this tournament is meant to give them game time and expose their talent,” said Dlamini.
She added that the event would also inspire aspiring players through interaction with some of the country’s top volleyball stars.
“The children have chosen their role models, including Afi Dlamini and Nduku Masangane among others, who will be available to sign autographs and interact with them before the senior matches begin,” she said.
Dlamini revealed that the champions in both the men’s and women’s categories will each receive E3 000, while the runners-up will pocket E2 000. Third-placed teams will earn E1 500, with fourth place receiving E750. In addition, every participating team will receive a E750 appearance incentive, while individual awards will be presented to the best player in every match.
She said they will honour umpires, who officiate well in the tournament.
Defending champions Correctional Services have confirmed their participation in both the men’s and women’s categories after winning last year’s titles. Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) were winners in the male category.
The men’s competition has attracted teams including Dolphins, Villa Park, Correctional Services, Mshinande, Terror Squad, Ubombo Sugar, Zakhele, Ncabaneni Eagles, Eco Water, Bob Cats, UEDF, UNESWA, Bob Masters, Tigers, OlympAfrica, Sneak Attackers and Lomahasha Customs.
The women’s section features Zakhele, Correctional Services, Superladies, Phoenix, Scorpion, Ofezela, Stinging Doves, UEDF, Eco Water, Bob Ladies, Tigress, Ace Angels and Sneak Attackers.
Schools invited to participate are Lomahasha, Mbeka, St Paul’s and Mpaka and others.
Dlamini also acknowledged the individuals and partners who contributed towards making the tournament possible, namely Buhle Dlamini, Philile Kunene, Gugu Kheswa, Phumlile Khathwane, Mpendulo Gule, Thabo Dlamini, Pholani Nxumalo and Lindo Mazibuko.
She expressed confidence that the tournament would continue to grow, while providing a platform for players of all ages to develop and promote volleyball in Eswatini.
