MBABANE – Eswatini’s taekwondo national team has withdrawn from the 2026 African Taekwondo Championships in Bamako, Mali, citing security concerns in the West African nation.
The national contingent was scheduled to depart on Wednesday for the continental showpiece, which gets underway today. However, the Eswatini Taekwondo Federation (ETF) opted to pull the team out after assessing the security situation in Mali.
ETF Vice Secretary Ndo Nsibandze confirmed the withdrawal, saying the federation had prioritised the safety and well-being of its athletes.
“There is some unrest going on in Mali, resulting in security concerns. We decided to withdraw from the competition,” Nsibandze said.
The decision means Eswatini will not be represented at the championships despite securing qualification through the newly introduced African Series held in Côte d’Ivoire.
The squad had been trimmed to four athletes – Saneliso Masuku, Nonhle Maduna, Sihlelwe Matsebula and Gcinimuzi Mkhatshwa – following earlier budget-related challenges that had already affected the country’s preparations.
The withdrawal comes just days after concerns emerged over funding constraints surrounding the Mali trip. As previously reported by the Times of Eswatini, the federation was forced to significantly reduce its original squad amid an alleged E400 000 budget shortfall for the continental assignment.
Among those left out of the final travelling party were 2025 Outstanding Sportswoman of the Year Sandzisile Mavimbela and Mfanawekhaya Dube, despite both having earned qualification through their performances on the African circuit.
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Taekwondo Eswatini has withdrawn from the African Taekwondo Championships in Mali. (File pic)