AE TO REVIEW E1 000 INCENTIVE

MBABANE – The Athletics Eswatini (AE) has noted that there is a need to review the standing policy of E1 000 incentive for breaking a national record.

This comes after there was an outcry on social media platforms over the incentive as it was due to be received by sprinter Sibusiso ‘Swazi Bolt’ Matsenjwa after his heroic performance in the Olympic Games, where he broke two of his national records reaching the semi-finals in the 200m. AE Public Relations Officer (PRO) Victor ‘Mavikane’ Dlamini released a statement yesterday explaining that Matsenjwa’s performance in the Olympic Games was not worth the E2 000 and that policy is under review.
“Athletics Eswatini prides itself of Swazi Bolt’s heroic performance at the recent Olympic Games and for his great commitment to the sport as well as being a great ambassador for Eswatini. Matsenjwa performed exceptionally well and for the very first time in the history of Eswatini’s Olympic performance, we saw a qualification to the semi-finals of a sprint event,” reads part of the statement.

Dlamini said not only did he just qualify but also broke a national record in the process. He said Matsenjwa went on to break another national record as he finished 5th with a time of 20.22 seconds same day in the 200m. The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) athletics team athlete’s semi-final performance was also another milestone as it put him in a good position to qualify for the Oregon World Championships to be held in the USA in 2022. He is also set for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, which will be held in the United Kingdom in 2022. “Athletics Eswatini would like to explain the E2 000 incentive which was published in the Times of Eswatini dated August 10 under the title ‘E2 000 for ‘Swazi Bolt’ for Olympic Record’.

Budget

“E2 000 is by no means worthy of his performance but was rather quoted out of an old National Record policy currently under review. Such a figure was informed by the stretched limited budget of the federation,” he said. He added that Matsenjwa’s performance in the Olympic Games was not only historic but also covered some great PR for the whole country and to that effect the federation has been busy knocking on its partners’ doors requesting contributions towards a worthy incentive for Matsenjwa.
“AE also takes note of the concerns and disappointments raised by emaSwati on social media platforms and understands that this comes from a good place. “AE would like to appreciate those willing to contribute towards Matsenjwa’s incentive and pleads for the business community and the general public to make their contributions by contacting the AE office at 7606 7650/7607 5994 or swz@mf.worldathletics.org. Any donation is welcome.” he concluded.

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