Mbabane – Eswatini’s Lamulela Magagula has once again showcased her formidable talent, successfully defending her Judo Junior African Cup gold medal in Pretoria, South Africa.
In a dazzling display of skill and determination, Magagula triumphed in the –63kg girls’ category at the 2025 Judo Junior African Cup, mirroring her remarkable gold medal win at the same competition in Côte d’Ivoire in 2024. This latest victory solidifies her reputation as one of Africa’s brightest judo prospects.
Last year, Magagula captivated audiences by defeating a favourite in front of a passionate Ivorian crowd. This past weekend, she replicated that feat in Pretoria, overcoming South Africa’s Cayla Dhaeyere in a thrilling final.
Despite the pressure of competing against the home favourite, Magagula’s composure and technical prowess shone through, securing her second consecutive Junior African Cup gold.
Her achievements have garnered significant recognition.
Following her 2024 victory, Eswatini’s Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, presented her with a E10 000 cheque at a ceremony held at Mountain Inn Resort.
Her success in Côte d’Ivoire also earned her a world ranking, and this latest triumph in Pretoria is expected to further elevate her global standing. Tertius Esterhuysen, Secretary General of the Eswatini Judo Federation (EJF), estimates her current world ranking to be between 30 and 40.
The 2025 Judo Junior African Cup marked a significant milestone for Magagula, as it was her final competition in the junior category. As she transitions to senior-level competitions, the young judoka has set her sights on ambitious goals, including qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Her journey will soon take her to the United States, where she will begin her university studies in August. While there, she plans to train rigorously and compete in mandatory international tournaments to hone her skills.
Magagula’s aspirations extend beyond the Olympics. She is also preparing to represent Eswatini at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, where she aims to showcase her talent on another prestigious stage. Her dedication to judo, combined with her academic pursuits, reflects her remarkable discipline and determination.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Magagula carries the hopes of Eswatini with her. From her early days balancing her International Baccalaureate studies at Waterford Kamhlaba to her current status as a world-ranked athlete, she continues to inspire her nation and the wider African judo community. With her talent and tenacity, the future looks exceptionally bright for this rising star as she steps onto the senior stage and pursues global glory.
Esterhuysen offered high praise for Magagula’s achievements, stating: “In my view, her successes in Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa make her the greatest sports personality in Eswatini’s history. I believe no other athlete from the country has won an African competition twice.”
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