Eswatini primed for African Beach Games
MBABANE – Team Eswatini is doing well and handling the heat in the best possible way as they are about to make their maiden appearance in African Beach Games.
The tournament is scheduled for today until the last day of the month in Hammamet, Tunisia. The country is represented by three sporting codes, which are beach marathon, teqball and open water swimming. The 10-member team led by Eswatini Olympic and Common Wealth Games Association (EOCGA) Executive member Thobile Magagula jetted off to Tunisia on Tuesday.
Adapt
As the team left early as to adapt to the climatic conditions, the team revealed that they were adapting well ahead of the tournament. Teqball squad Manager Mfanafuthi ‘Taribo’ Bhembe shared that they were enduring high temperatures, almost similar to summer.
“It is extremely hot here in Tunisia, not even the sea breeze is helping; the key is to stay hydrated all the time and spend less time outside in the sun. We are used to such weather during our summer days in Eswatini, so it will not be a problem at all for our players,” the Teqball Eswatini Federation president said.
“The spirit is amazing ever since we got here before the tournament started and the team has been itching for some action. The team chemistry and unity are good. We hope to maintain it throughout the games. The main goal set for the team is to reach any medal position in all categories,”
Bhembe said.
Meanwhile, Athletics Eswatini (AE) President and Beach Marathon Manager Zakhele Dlamini also lamented the heatwave. Dlamini said they were slowly getting used to the climate. Teqball is expected to begin competing tomorrow while swimming and athletics will debut on Tuesday.