MANZINI - They proved why they are the country’s fastest runners.
This was during the Athletics Eswatini (AE) Commonwealth Games and African Championships qualifiers at Mavuso Sports Centre where Royal Eswatini Police Service’s (REPS) Mlandvo Maziya and Bongiwe Mahlalela dominated the 100m and 200m categories.
These games are where the AE will select about 10 athletes who will represent the country in the upcoming African Championships and Commonwealth Games set for Ghana and Scotland respectively this year.
In a display of pure sprinting pedigree, Mlandvo Maziya asserted his authority in the men’s 200m, storming to a clinical victory in Heat 5 with a blistering time of 21.51. On the women’s side, Bongiwe Mahlalela mirrored this dominance in her 200m appearance, securing the top spot in Heat 3 by stopping the clock at 27.17. While Mahlalela recorded a non-start (DNS) in her 100m heat, her REPS teammates ensured the department’s dominance remained unchallenged across the board.
The REPS powerhouse continued to churn out results as Celiwe Mahlalela snatched double victories, claiming the 100m Heat 1 in 13.44 and the 200m Heat 2 in 28.13. Adding to the tally, Nomile Tjapile produced a rapid 20.93 to take the 200m Heat 1, and Sikhanyiso Dlamini dominated the 100m Heat 2 with a time of 13.08. Bandzile Simelane also showed strong form for the police service, clocking 22.06 to finish third in the men’s 200m Heat 5.
In the middle-distance and other sprint categories, several teams pushed the pace. Correctional’s Sandziso Mthulisi Khoza delivered a standout performance, winning the 400m Heat 4 in a sub-50 time of 49.09 and showing his versatility with a 22.38 in the 200m. TZD’s Bandile Gwebu took charge of the 200m Heat 1 in 23.85, while UNESWA’s Mzwandile Magagula secured a win in the 400m Heat 3 with a 52.20. MAC also found success through Khaya Karien Tsabedze, who led the women’s 100m Heat 3 in 12.98.
Bongiwe Mahlalela and her sister Celiwe (R) dominated in the 200m and 100m, respectively. (Pic: Sanele Jele)