MBABANE – Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association Chief Executive Officer Maxwell Jele paid a courtesy visit to the Olympafrica Foundation in Senegal, where he discussed future funding opportunities.
Jele, who was in Dakar alongside Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association President Adam ‘Bomber’ Mthethwa for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, met with Olympafrica Foundation Director Thiano Diack at the organisation’s offices.
The two association leaders were in Senegal to support and follow Team Eswatini’s participation in the Games, which brought together young athletes from across the world. The country’s three-member delegation comprised Luca Fraser (swimming), Knowledge Mkhwanazi (athletics) and Simisile ‘Simcard’ Thwala (taekwondo).
Although Eswatini finished its campaign without a medal, the young athletes recorded notable performances. Fraser achieved personal bests in the 50m and 200m breaststroke, finishing 10th overall in the latter event in 2:32.05. Mkhwanazi also registered a personal best of 11.51 seconds in the men’s 100m, while Thwala competed in the women’s Under-55kg taekwondo category.
Meanwhile, Jele described his engagement with the Olympafrica Foundation as successful, saying it provided an opportunity to express the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association’s appreciation for the continued support extended by the organisation.
He further revealed that discussions centred on potential funding opportunities for 2027 and beyond, hinting at positive developments that the association could look forward to in the coming year.
The engagement is expected to strengthen the relationship between the two organisations, particularly in advancing sporting development and creating opportunities for young athletes in Eswatini.
Jele and Mthethwa are expected back in the country on Sunday, following the conclusion of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
