CRICKETERS PRIMED FOR WC CHALLENGE

MANZINI – The Eswatini 14-member cricket national team has assured the nation on fighting for positive results in the 2022-23 ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers.

The team, led by Coach Delisa Malinga, Captain Melusi Magagula and team manager Mandla Dlamini made this promise during a send-off event held yesterday afternoon at Caritas in Manzini before embarking on a road trip to South Africa, whether they were set to connect a flight in the wee hours of morning to Rwanda, the hosting nation. The Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket tournament is being played as part of qualification process for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

qualification

The first stage of the qualification pathway in the Africa region consists of two sub-regional qualifiers with the top two teams from each event progressing to the regional final. The sub-regional tournaments are taking place from November 17, 2022 to December 9, 2022. Eswatini will have their first match on Thursday, taking on Gambia at 1:45pm in Kigali’s IPRC Cricket Ground. The head coach who is an experienced cricket player and has influenced many to join the sport, took pride in the team, adding that he was highly confident in his team progressing to the next stage, as only the top two sides in the regional final events would qualify for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The regional finals will be played in Namibia next year.

Malinga marveled at the blending of the team and assured Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC) Chief executive Officer (CEO) Darius Dlomo, of the unity they had. “We are going to war and having worked 100 per cent on the technical aspects of the game during our practice matches, we will play the game that we have practised. We are a united team. Regardless of being interracial, we stand as a unit. We uphold our identity and take pride in who we are. I’m humbly honoured to be the first indigenous liSwati coach to lead a team of highly committed players and I believe that we will perform in our utmost best,” Malinga said.

commended

The ESRC CEO commended the national team’s growth over the years and further implored them to contribute positively to the nation through excelling in the field to inspire happiness and patriotism during the prevalent challenging times of a political instability in the country. Dlomo said winning inspired happiness and unity. “A happy nation takes pride in itself and what will drive unity is your achievement. We cannot run away from the political instability that we are experiencing and the fiscal challenges. Until you show how supporting cricket benefits the country, then you will be supported. It is through your results that the minister can proudly stand in Parliament and fight for sports funding. Do not be found wanting, but deserving of the support. Prove to us that you are deserving of the support through good results,” Dlomo said. The team is expected to return home on December 10, 2022 after their six fixtures.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: