MBABANE – Eswatini has failed to make any significant progress in sports, according to Liqoqo Chairperson and former Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Paul Dlamini.
Dlamini expressed his take on the matter on Wednesday evening during the launch of a Sports Indaba, a platform for sports legends from various disciplines to share their insights and suggestions for improving the country’s sports sector. The launch was held at Equinox Restaurant in Mbabane.
“We have no excuse to be where we are in terms of sports. We have everything such as players, but none can speak proudly of the country in terms of sports. That is why we need the legends to help and guide us on how to move forward,” he said.
Suffered
The Liqoqo Chairperson also called for better welfare and support for former national team players, especially those who suffered injuries. He said this was also a problem that was experienced both on national and club levels. The Sports Indaba will take place at Caritas Roman Catholic Centre next Saturday, where retired athletes from football, boxing, netball, athletics and other sports codes will brainstorm on possible ways to boost the morale and professionalism of the current and future generations of sportsmen and sports women.
Contributed
“As we are doing the programme, we have noticed some factors that have contributed to the decline of sports as compared to the previous century. The legends have some valuable ideas that can uplift the spirit of sports, which is why we initiated this event,” said Donatus ‘Inkonotja’ Zwane, the host of Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS) Down Memory Lane show. Zwane said they aim to come up with concrete recommendations that would transform the sports industry and make it more competitive, attractive, and lucrative for athletes. The government has also shown interest in professionalising sports through the Eswatini Sports and Recreation Bill of 2022, which is yet to be passed in parliament. About E20 000 has been raised so far for the organisation and facilitation of the Sports Indaba.
