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Eswatini ready to host 2026 SAIMSA Games

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ESIGA President Sithembile Simelane and SAIMSA President Sam Rametsi during the press briefing. (Pic: Nimrod Hlophe)
ESIGA President Sithembile Simelane and SAIMSA President Sam Rametsi during the press briefing. (Pic: Nimrod Hlophe)
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MBABANE – The Kingdom of Eswatini has declared itself ready to host the 20th edition of the Southern Africa Inter-municipal Sports Association (SAIMSA) Games.

Eswatini Inter-Municipal Games Association (ESIGA) President Sithembile Simelane made the announcement at a press conference attended by SAIMSA President Sam Rametsi and members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

The games will take place from September 20 to 25,2026 across various municipalities in the country.

“I am pleased to report that our preparations are at an advanced stage,” Simelane said.

“As ESIGA, we are encouraged by the progress made so far and remain confident that Eswatini is on course to successfully host these prestigious regional games,” she added.

To ensure the benefits are shared nationwide, ESIGA have selected more than 12 sports facilities in different towns. While the bulk of the action will be centred at the Mavuso Exhibition and Sports Centre in Manzini, competitions will also be staged in Matsapha, Kwaluseni, Malkerns, Lobamba, Ezulwini and Mbabane.

Twelve sporting codes will be contested: These are;

  • Soccer
  • Athletics
  • Volleyball
  • Darts
  • Netball
  • Table tennis
  • Mlabalaba
  • Draughts
  • Owela
  • Pool
  • Cycling
  • Fishing.

However, a team managers’ meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 31, in Matsapha. Representatives from participating municipalities from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zambia and Namibia are expected to attend. On another note, SAIMSA President Rametsi said the association is looking forward to a successful event that would not only reward top performers with medals but also promote health and wellness among the municipalities involved.

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