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INJURED ERIKAH OUT FOR 6 MONTHS

25/07/2022 07:07:00 Ashmond Nzima

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MBABANE – It has turned out to be very serious.

That is the injury that has been suffered by ace high jumper Erikah Nonhlanhla Seyama. The 2018 African Championships gold medallist has missed out on a trip to the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games which get underway this coming Thursday after tearing her Achilles during training in South Africa. The shining University of Eswatini (UNESWA) athlete told this publication that the injury was very serious and she had to undergo surgery. “I was fit and jumping 1.70 metres like it’s 1.50,” she said.

During a farewell dinner for Team Eswatini in Ezulwini this past Thursday night, it was announced that the reigning Eswatini Sportswoman of the Year had to withdraw at the eleventh hour due to the ankle injury she suffered during her training programme in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The team leaves tomorrow. Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) President Adam ‘Bomber’ Mthethwa announced the withdrawal of Seyama during the farewell dinner hosted by the British High Commission at Royal Villas.

“This was an unfortunate incident and she has been officially withdrawn from the games. The injury will take over three months to heal,” he said.
The country will now be represented by 11 athletes instead of the 12. The rest of the team includes swimmers Simanga Dlamini and Hayley Hoy, boxers Thabiso Dlamini and Zweli Dlamini. From athletics there is Bongiwe Mahlalela, Sibusiso ‘Swazi Bolt’ Matsenjwa, Benele Dlamini, Menzowokuhle Msibi and Ayanda Malaza, while cycling boast Muzi Shabangu and Kwanele Jele.

Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Minister Harries ‘Madze’ Bulunga said this was a huge blow for the country and the athlete as she had been preparing hard for the games only to be let down by the injury in the last minute. “These are heart breaking news for all of us and we wish to send our words of comfort to Erikah and her family. We know you are strong Erikah, and we have no doubt that you will be back stronger in no time,” he said.