(At UNESWA Sports Emporium)
KWALUSENI – UK-based Thandukukhanya Dlamini joined Eswatini taekwondo stars and rising prospect Amahle Dlamini in winning individual gold medals at Saturday’s Next Generation Club Championships.
Competing in separate divisions at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Sports Emporium, Thandukukhanya Dlamini, Nonhle Maduna, Saneliso Masuku, Bongumusa Mkhatjwa, Gcinumuzi Nxumalo and pre-cadet Amahle Dlamini all claimed gold medals in their respective categories, showing Eswatini’s depth across different age groups.
Dlamini, who is based in the United Kingdom under Wessex Taekwondo, topped the Senior Male -80kg A division after finishing ahead of Kaif Osman, while Valene Phangoa and Kananelo Moshesha shared the bronze medals.
Senior women’s competitor Nonhle Maduna secured gold in the Senior Women -49kg A category. Phumzile Tsolo of Lesotho finished with silver, while Khahliso Tsele and Luyanda Mvila claimed bronze medals.
Saneliso Masuku claimed gold in the Senior Male -68kg A division ahead of Manuel Almeida. Leboela Tsimane and Mompati Motingwa completed the podium.
Junior athlete Bongumusa Mkhatjwa also impressed after capturing the Junior Male -55kg A title. Lauren Mabote finished second, while Mpho Mabeleng and Owenkhosi Maphanga earned bronze medals.
Scholarship holder Gcinumuzi Nxumalo claimed top honours in the Senior Male -58kg A category, with Tumelo Seoaholimo taking silver and Pakiso Masotsa together with Phiwayinkosi Dlamini receiving bronze medals.
Among the younger competitors, Amahle Dlamini showed her potential by winning the Pre-Cadet Women -40kg A division.
She finished ahead of Karina Marrunguja to secure the gold medal, adding her name to the list of Eswatini’s standout individual performers at the championships.
The six gold medallists excelled in their respective weight divisions, producing notable individual performances during the Next Generation Taekwondo Club Championships.
Eswatini’s Nonhle Maduna could not escape a kick from Phumzile Tsolo of Lesotho. Regardless, Maduna won this match.