MBABANE – Eswatini’s men made a tough start to their Africa Netball Cup campaign, suffering a 43-36 defeat to familiar rivals South Africa this morning.
The encounter was played at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, where the Africa Netball Cup is also serving as the African qualifier for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia.
Eswatini entered today’s clash seeking redemption after falling 41-32 to South Africa in an international friendly on September 5. The national side made a bright start, taking control for large spells of the contest and going into half-time with a 22-14 advantage.
South Africa, however, responded strongly after the break, gradually eating into Eswatini’s lead before drawing level at 29-all at the end of the third quarter. The decisive fourth quarter proved costly for Eswatini as South Africa turned the momentum in their favour to seal a seven-goal victory.
Eswatini’s attack was led by goal shooter Brandon Dlamini, Nduku Masangane and Sphiwo Dlamini, while Mandisa Sihlongonyane operated at centre. The defensive duties were handled by Thembinkosi ‘Lorch’ Matsebula and captain Fortune Neves, with Sakhile Maseko at goalkeeper. Mpendulo Mncina and Simanga ‘Mgwaja’ Vilakati were later introduced as South Africa sought to maintain their advantage.
The defeat means Eswatini must quickly regroup, with Malawi next on their schedule on Monday. Eswatini will face Malawi at 8am before taking on Uganda at 10am on Tuesday. They will then complete their group-stage fixtures against hosts Kenya at 10am on Wednesday.
The men’s tournament features South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and Eswatini in a round-robin format, with the standings determining the teams’ progression to the positional play-offs. The final matches and positional play-offs are scheduled for September 25 and 26.
TODAY’S RESULT
Saturday, September 19, 2026
South Africa 43-36 Eswatini
REMAINING FIXTURES
Monday, September 21
Eswatini vs Malawi — 8am
Tuesday, September 22
Uganda vs Eswatini — 10am
Wednesday, September 23
Eswatini vs Kenya — 10am
The decisive fourth quarter proved costly for Eswatini as South Africa turned the momentum in their favour to seal a seven-goal victory.
Eswatini’ss attack was led by goal shooter Brandon Dlamini, Nduku Masangane and Sphiwo Dlamini, while Mandisa Sihlongonyane operated at centre.
The defensive duties were handled by Thembinkosi ‘Lorch’ Matsebula and captain Fortune Neves, with Sakhile Maseko at goalkeeper.
Mpendulo Mncina and Simanga ‘Mgwaja’ Vilakati were later introduced as South Africa sought to maintain their advantage.
The defeat means Eswatini must quickly regroup, with Malawi next on their schedule on Monday.
Eswatini will face Malawi at 8am before taking on Uganda at 10am on Tuesday. They will then complete their group-stage fixtures against hosts Kenya at 10am on Wednesday.
The men’s tournament features South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and Eswatini in a round-robin format, with the standings determining the teams’ progression to the positional play-offs. The final matches and positional play-offs are scheduled for September 25 and 26.
TODAY’S RESULT
Saturday, September 19, 2026
South Africa 43-36 Eswatini
REMAINING FIXTURES
Monday, September 21
Eswatini vs Malawi — 8am
Tuesday, September 22
Uganda vs Eswatini — 10am
Wednesday, September 23
Eswatini vs Kenya — 10am
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