MBABANE – “Netball Eswatini has grown by leaps and bounds.”
These were the words of Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association Chief Executive Officer Maxwell Jele during the official send-off of the Men’s National Netball Team, which was held at the EOCGA offices on Wednesday.
The squad will represent the country at the 2026 Africa Netball Cup scheduled to take place at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi, Kenya.
The tournament features sides such as defending champions South Africa, hosts Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and Eswatini. Teams compete in an initial round-robin phase before moving on to the final standings and positional play-offs. Action for the men gets underway immediately on Saturday, September 19, with Kenya facing Uganda, followed by South Africa taking on Eswatini. Eswatini is also scheduled to face Malawi early in the group phase on Monday, September 21.
Jele stated that the men’s team have been at the forefront of rewriting the country’s sporting narrative on the continental stage. He said the 2026 edition marks their third consecutive appearance at the Africa Netball Cup.
“You are no longer newcomers looking for experience; you are established giants, feared contenders and true ambassadors of our Kingdom,” he said.
The CEO said the squad’s track record speaks for itself, noting that in 2024 they brought home the silver medal in the tournament held in Namibia.
“In 2025 you fought fiercely to secure a bronze medal in Malawi. The message you have sent to the rest of Africa is clear. Eswatini is a powerhouse,” he said.
Jele told the squad chosen for the international assignment that they have been selected because they represent the finest talent the nation has to offer.
“In domestic competition, you play for your respective clubs, but today those domestic rivalries are laid aside,” he added.
The CEO, who was representing Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima, noted that the recent friendly match the team had with their South African counterparts has prepared them for this moment.
“We express our profound gratitude to Netball Eswatini, the corporate sponsors and the technical staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to secure the resources for this trip despite budgetary constraints,” he said.
He reminded the squad that they should remember talent wins games, but teamwork, discipline and character win championships.
“Play with integrity, respect your opponents and officials, but never, ever doubt your own ability,” he said.
He further reminded them that when the matches get tougher, they must remember the millions of Eswatini citizens cheering them from home.
The travelling squad:
Thembeka Dlamini, Nduku Masangane, Brandon Dlamini, Simanga Vilakati, Thembinkosi Matsebula, Fortune Neves, Sthabiso Mzileni, Sakhile Maseko, Mandisa Sihlongonyane, Mpendulo Mncina, and Thabo Maphosa.
Officials:
Head of Delegation – Nkabinde Shabalala, Team Manager – Nhlanhla Ngcamphalala, Head Coach – Jabulani Vilane, Assistant Coach – Wandile Sithole, and Team Doctor – Bongani Magagula.
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