Kenya ..............................39
Eswatini ..........................40
MANZINI – Eswatini men’s national netball team brought home a bronze medal after narrowly escaping a fierce challenge from Kenya with a final score of 40-39 yesterday.
This dramatic win came during a pulsating Africa Netball Cup third-place play-off encounter, staged at the Griffin Sayenda Sports Complex in Lilongwe, Malawi. Eswatini, determined not to be defeated, maintained their psychological edge over Kenya, whom the locals have historically beaten in at least three previous meetings.
Making only their second appearance in the continental competition, Eswatini had previously won a silver medal in their maiden outing last year. However, repeating that achievement proved tough this time around and they ultimately settled for bronze.
The side, led by Coach Vumbubukhosi Ndlangamandla, trailed for three quarters, with the score standing at 33-28 before the decisive final quarter. It was a late surge, however, that ultimately swung the match in their favour, with Goal Shooter Brendan Dhlamini repeatedly finding Kenya’s post, ably supported by Goal Attacker Thabo Maphosa. Dhlamini’s exceptional performance rightly earned him the Player of the Match award.
Kenya started strong, leading 13-10 before extending their advantage to 23-19 at the half-time break.
Wing Attacker Simanga ‘Mgwaja’ Vilakati spearheaded the attack for Eswatini, alongside Centre Mandisa ‘Makepeace’ Sihlongonyane, who created countless scoring opportunities for Dhlamini, who was occasionally interchanged with Siphiwo Dlamini.
While the Eswatini men’s team are currently unranked internationally, this podium finish places them in a strong position for future rankings. They are also expected to compete in the Netball World Cup Qualifiers next year.
