Sports

MANZINI – It was a commendable performance by Eswatini in the Indoor Hockey Test Series.

The Eswatini Hockey Association (EHA) hosted a three-day Indoor Hockey Test Series at the Mavuso Sports Centre, where Eswatini’s Under-18 teams delivered commanding performances against Botswana, while the senior teams showcased a competitive spirit in an internationally-recognised showdown.

The series, which concluded on Sunday, highlighted the growth of Eswatini’s hockey talent and strengthened sporting ties with Botswana.

Eswatini’s Under-18 teams, both boys and girls, dominated their categories, setting the tone for an exhilarating series.

The Under-18 girls were particularly outstanding, culminating their campaign with a resounding 7-0 victory over Botswana on day three.

The local side established an early 2-0 lead in the opening quarter, maintaining a watertight defence to prevent Botswana from scoring in the first half.

Their relentless attack and cohesive play secured two wins out of the three matches, with Botswana managing a solitary victory.

The Under-18 boys were equally impressive, exemplifying consistency with a flawless 3-0 record across all three days.

Their final match was a tightly-contested affair, edging out Botswana 1-0 with a crucial goal in the first quarter.

The boys’ disciplined performance and clinical finishing emphasised their dominance, making them Eswatini’s standout squad in terms of win margin.

The senior teams brought intensity and competitive flair to the series, with closely fought battles that enthralled spectators.

The senior women’s matches were a testament to the evenly matched talent, as all three games ended in draws.

Day one and day two saw high-scoring 3-3 stalemates, while the final encounter on day three concluded with a goalless draw, reflecting the defensive resilience and tactical nous of both sides.

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Botswana’s senior ladies national side huddled up for a brief team talk before facing Eswatini. (Pics: Melusi Mkhabela)

Eswatini Hockey Association (EHA) Head of Development, Tinavo Mushavi, issuing instructions to the senior women's national hockey team ahead of their last fixture against Botswana in the three-day Indoor Hockey Test Series.