Maya Solo

The 'dream marriage' is exciting
We at the ESRC are excited at the prospects of a fruitful union between two of our recognised National Sports Association (NSAs).
The two, the Athletics Eswatini and the Eswatini Schools Sports Association (ESSA), have us salivating at the huge potential of their soon to be signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
This programme has our full support and will definitely change the country's fortunes in as far as international participation is concerned. However, we need to be patient, as this is rolled out. It will not be an overnight hit but will take years to bear fruit. All good things take time to mature but once they do, it's usually for a lifetime.
Without letting the cat out of the bag, we can buy assure the nation that the latest development, will definitely leave a mark.

ESRC shattered at golfer Joe Dlamini' s death
The Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC) has reacted with shock to news that the first professional golfer, Dlamini is no more.
ESRC Media Officer, Dumisani Ntiwane said the country has lost a true ambassador as Dlamini was well known throughout the region.
"We are devastated. We are shocked. We really did not see this coming. We run out of words really and all we can say is that our sports, especially golf are poorer without the man.
"In 2019, I vividly recall that the local golfers organised a Benefit Golf Day for him and he was given E50 000 as a token.
"We have been robbed of an extremely talented golfer, who brought about a whole new dimension to the sport in the kingdom. He was the first professional golfer here and his passion for the sport was contagious and second to none. He popularised the sport, as he started playing it whilst many referred to it as a rich man's sport," Ntiwane said.
He expressed the ESRC's condolences to the golfing fraternity.
"It is with deep sorrow that we at the ESRC express our condolences to Dlamini's family, the golfing fraternity, friends and relatives for such a devastating loss. We pray to God Almighty to comfort everyone whose life he touched in one way or the other. May his soul rest in peace," said Ntiwane

Congratulations are in order to Sibusiso 'Swazibolt' Matsenjwa on being elected as the Chairperson of the National Athletes Commission. The commission was established on the 17th September 2021. The responsibility of the Chairperson amongst others is to represent all athletes countrywide at the NOC. The rest of the members making up the executive committee of the Athletes Commission are Darren Dunn from cycling, who is the vice chairperson, Phumlile Ndzinisa from athletics, Simanga Dlamini from swimming and Thabiso Dlamini from boxing.

NCP ESTABLISHED IN STYLE
For the first time in the history of sports in the land, a National Compliance Platform has been established.
The NCP had its first meeting at the Happy Valley today, Tuesday September 14, 2021. The purpose of the meeting was to map a working plan for the newly formed body.
The Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC) alongside partners the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) are behind the formation of the NCP.
This body will be responsible for all anti-doping matters in the land.

"REPRESENT US WELL"
The cricket ladies national team has been implored to do the best that they can.
The 14-member team left the country by road, today Tuesday 7 September for Johannesburg, en-route Gaborone, Botswana.
In Botswana, the traveling international novices will have their mettle tested against some of the continent's heavyweights. This will be during the Women's World Cup Qualifiers.
Obviously an acid test for the travelling bunch, who are first time participants, they were still implored to do well.
Under Secretary in the Ministry of Sports and Culture Youth Affairs, Naniki Mnisi.
The team had the opportunity to bid the senior officials farewell before rushing to connect their flight at the OR Tambo International Airport.
In her remarks, the US said she was greatly impressed by the composition of the team and urged them to represent the country well.
Her words of encouragement and wisdom were echoed by ESRC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darius Dlomo.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!
Spring is a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can truly be. It brings new growth, weeds out the bad and makes room for something beautiful.
Happy Spring Day.

The Under Secretary (US) in the Ministry of Sport, Culture and Youth Affairs, Ms. Naniki Mnisi was delighted to be taken through a sightseeing tour of our two sports centres, Sithobelweni and Mtsambama.

ESRC STRATEGIC PLAN CANCELLED
Regrettably, the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC), 2022-2027 Strategic Plan has been called off.
The exercise was scheduled for August 28 and August 29 at the Esibayeni Lodge, in Matsapha.
The ESRC profusely apologises to our recognised National Sports Associations and stakeholders for the inconvenience, which is regretted.
Our associations, partners and stakeholders will be dully informed of the new dates.

LOCAL ATHLETES FIND IT TOUGH IN KENYA

The country's 4x100m boys relay team could not make it to the podium during the World Junior Championships, staged in Nairobi, Kenya.
The silver lining however, is that the team set a new national record of 41:34. The previous one stood at 42:36.
There is a reason to hope!

The Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC) is indebted to all media houses and practitioners for attending yesterday's breakfast meeting.
Your meaningful contribution and full participation made it a worthwhile experience for all.
Your valid input is cherished and greatly appreciated.
We look forward to future engagements, as an important partner and stakeholder in sports.