The Eswatini Swimming Association (ESA) has announced the national team that will represent the kingdom at the upcoming XXI Africa Aquatics Zone IV Swimming & Open Water Championships, to be hosted on home soil in September.
The prestigious competition, set to run from September 3 -7, will be split across two venues: Luphohlo Dam for open water events and Enjabulweni School for pool-based swimming events. Luphohlo Dam recently received official approval to host the open water leg of the championship.
ESA has named a 41-member team, who will be supported by three team officials. Former ESA president Welcome Nhlabatsi has been appointed head coach, with Baphelele Masilela serving as assistant coach and Illana George as team manager.
In a circular issued to stakeholders, ESA President Pedro Nunes expressed pride in the selection and optimism for the team’s performance.
“ESA is proud to announce the national team selected to represent Eswatini at the upcoming XXI Africa Aquatics Zone IV Swimming & Open Water Championships, to be held on home soil from September 3 -7.
“The ESA Executive Board extends its congratulations to all selected athletes and officials.
“We are confident this team will represent the kingdom with pride and determination,” he said.
To foster team unity and maximise performance, the association has made arrangements to house all national team athletes together at an Athletes’ Village based at Esibayeni Lodge, with check-in on September 2 and check-out on September 7.
“Although the championships are being hosted in Eswatini, the national team will be accommodated together to ensure team cohesion and focus throughout the competition,” added Nunes.
He also reminded all regional stakeholders of their responsibility to relay this information to their respective members and ensure that all required submissions are properly coordinated and submitted through their structures.
Open water swimming is a discipline officially recognised by World Aquatics (formerly FINA) – takes place in natural water bodies such as oceans, lakes, or rivers.
It is featured in major international events including the Olympic Games and World Aquatics Championships, with standard race distances being 5km, 10km (Olympic distance), and 25km.
With the Zone IV Championship set to take place on home turf, the national team will be hoping to make a splash and bring pride to the Kingdom of Eswatini.
