Times Of Swaziland: HOW CYCLING DOMINATES  THE SPORTING WORLD

HOW CYCLING DOMINATES  THE SPORTING WORLD
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The editor on 15/06/2015 00:47:00


Sir,
I have noted, albeit with great appreciation, that cycling has become one of the
prominent sports in this beautiful Kingdom of eSwatini as evidenced by the MTB
races which attract a lot of people.
As I pen this piece, preparations are already underway for the eagerly
anticipated third edition of the MTN Khemani Classic Charity Cycling race slated
for Mankayane on October 11 this year.
With a E200 000 sponsorship courtesy of MTN Swaziland, this year’s event
promises to be much bigger and better as even international cyclists are
expected to grace the event.And of course, it is really gratifying to note that
local cyclists have vowed to outclass the international cyclists during the
race.
Prior to this race, cyclists will have to battle it out for the championship in
the Ngwenya Glass MTB Challenge scheduled for July this year, and no doubt, the
cycling faithful will be left yearning for more. Interesting indeed!
It is now apparently clear that cycling is one of the fastest growing sports in
the country and the passion shown by the many people is a positive factor
indeed. Already we have had a fair share of the entertainment in the cycling
fraternity courtesy of races like the Mdumezulu MTB Challenge, Ezulwini
Essential Hardware Cycle Classic, Nhlangano National Championship, and Imvelo
MTB Classic.
Now we live to tell the tale how young Sifiso Mhlanga defied all odds to become
the first Swazi cyclist to win the Nedbank Imvelo MTB Cycle Classic at Mlilwane
Wildlife Sanctuary recently. The Imvelo MTB Classic has definitely proven to be
a prestigious event in the cycling calendar and one cannot help but applaud all
the relevant stakeholders who play a significant role in giving the sport the
much-desired attention.
As much as I am an ardent football person, I have been keenly following events
in the cycling fraternity, hence I could not resist the temptation of expressing
my views about the sport. Worth noting is that cycling provides a positive
impact in almost every aspect for everyone associated with the sport. Apart from
the tourists’ attraction, another significant factor is that the cyclists are
kept healthy and fit while competing for honours in the process. In essence,
most of the proceeds from such events are directed to charity organisations,
something that makes life easier for the destitute fellow Swazis out there.
The unrelenting support from companies is also a testimony that cycling is
gaining popularity from people in all different walks of life. How I wish we
could have sustainable development structures to nurture the talent at a tender
age especially in schools where we can effectively promote the sport. Who knows,
maybe we can be a force to be reckoned with even in prestigious international
competitions like the Commonwealth Games where we compete against some of the
world’s finest.
I am made to believe that the Cycling Association of Swaziland (CAS) together
with all the stakeholders are doing something to take the standard of cycling to
greater heights, and hopefully in the not-so-distant future we will have a
formidable national team to compete against the best the world has on offer.
Comfort Jele,
HAWANE