LOBAMBA- Team Eswatini have been challenged to return home with medals from the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
The challenge was issued by Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) President Adam ‘Bomber’ Mthethwa during a farewell function held at the association’s premises in Lobamba yesterday.
Mthethwa urged the athletes to compete to the best of their abilities, emphasising that success should also be measured by personal bests and the experience gained at the international competition.
“What is important is that, as we watch sport at a high level, even the last athlete must be able to achieve a personal best,” he said.
The EOCGA president thanked the government for supporting the team and encouraged the athletes to maintain good behaviour, compete with determination and represent the country with pride.
Meanwhile, Chef de Mission (CDM) Zakhele Zulu expressed confidence in the selected athletes, saying their experience and commitment gave the country reason to be optimistic.
“They are experienced, and we hope to get medals. I have their commitment that they will do their best, and we will not come home empty-handed,” Zulu said.
He added that the Youth Olympic Games would expose the young athletes to a major international sporting environment and help prepare them for future Olympic competitions.
EOCGA Chief Executive Officer Maxwell Jele said the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games were particularly significant because they would be the first Olympic Games hosted on African soil.
“This is the first Olympic Games in Africa. We want to ensure that we give a good showing and retain medals in Africa as a whole,” Jele said.
He said the team had been carefully selected and would be supported by experienced coaches with the necessary pedigree to guide the athletes through the competition.
The seven-member delegation comprises three athletes, their coaches and officials. The athletes are swimmer Luca Fraser, athletics representative Knowledge Mkhwanazi and taekwondo fighter Simisile Thwala.
Zulu was scheduled to depart today to attend meetings and prepare for the team’s arrival. The swimming delegation is expected to arrive on October 29, while the athletics and taekwondo representatives are scheduled to depart on November 3 and arrive the following day.
