MBABANE – The Eswatini Women’s National Netball Team will be absent from next month’s Africa Netball Cup in Malawi.
This follows confirmation that funding from the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC) has been depleted.
The women’s squad will be relegated to the role of spectators this year after the ESRC indicated it could finance only a single team. Consequently, the men’s team were selected for the excursion based on the council’s performance-based funding model, following their podium finish last year.
The ESRC provides financial backing to over 30 affiliates for international engagements. For context regarding the budgetary constraints, a total of E3 528 795.02 in grant support was disbursed to licensed national sports bodies for various international activities during the second quarter (July to August).
With expectations mounting regarding the women’s travel to Malawi, Philile Khathwane, Vice President (VP) of the Eswatini National Netball Association (ENNA), confirmed the difficult decision was reached following consultations with the ESRC.
“Netball funds have been exhausted, and they (ESRC) couldn’t take both teams to the Africa Cup. Since their policies mandate support for those who have performed and attained a podium finish, the males are supported,” Khathwane stated.
The men’s national team made a striking debut last year, securing a silver medal behind gold-medallists South Africa.
Beyond financial constraints, Khathwane cited strict new travel protocols enforced by the ESRC. Current policy restricts road travel for national teams and clubs to neighbouring Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana and South Africa. Furthermore, night travel is strictly prohibited and destinations beyond these borders require air travel.
“We can’t take the risk and let them travel by road all the way to Malawi, as you will recall the new policy that requires air travel beyond a certain distance,” Khathwane explained.
The VP confirmed that the ESRC has covered the costs for the men’s team, including air tickets, meals and accommodation.
While the exact figure of the final expenditure remains undisclosed, ENNA had previously appealed for public support totalling E500 000 for the national teams’ trip.
Khathwane firmly rebutted claims suggesting the executive had chosen to prioritise men in a sport traditionally dominated by women.
“It’s not a matter that we prefer a certain gender; we, as the executive, are looking at netball holistically. We would have loved to travel with the ladies, as we have been travelling with them during our series matches,” she added.
Looking ahead, the VP noted that all is not lost for the female athletes, pointing to upcoming tournaments next year, including the World Cup Qualifiers.
It is worth noting that the financial strain is not unique to Eswatini; among the 11 nations expected to compete in this year’s edition, Zambia has also withdrawn both its women’s and men’s teams due to a lack of resources.
Eswatini’s Women’s National Netball Team will miss this year’s Africa Netball Cup. (Pic: ENNA)