LOBAMBA – “We no longer want to be a laughing stock.”
Those were the stern words of Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Darius Dlomo yesterday during a farewell ceremony for a national team heading to an international assignment. A delegation of six is en route to Mauritius for the Southern Africa Confederation of Athletics (SACA) Junior Championships.
Dlomo stated that the era of sending athletes who are far below international competitive standards is over, under the name of being national champions, will soon be done away with. He said the country is tired of lamenting results instead of celebrating medals.
His words coincide with the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) investigating negative reports concerning some beneficiaries of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games scholarship. EOCGA President Adam ‘Bomber’ Mthethwa said that athletes must lead by example in terms of performance and conduct to achieve the country’s collective sport goals.
Addressing the issue of government funding, Dlomo said that the state contributes to international participation primarily for athletes to gauge performance levels, map paths towards sporting excellence and assist athletes in transitioning into professional sports to earn a living.
He noted that while the council provides opportunities for national champions, there is an underlying condition regarding international clearance. He warned that the requirements for clearance are gradually becoming stringent.
“The standard will tighten from a government point of view. You might be a champion, but we have to look at where you stand in terms of the podium bracket at the event you are attending. If it so happens that you are far away from that bracket; particularly in measurable sports, there will come a time when that clearance will not be issued,” Dlomo said.
The CEO added that this policy would remain in place until specific affected athletes improve their performance to a standard that justifies their participation.
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Eswatini Sport and Recreation Concil CEO Darius Dlomo (seated 2nd L) has said national champions will soon not be automatically guaranteed spots to represent the country in international competitions. (Pic: Nimrod Hlophe)