The Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) has unveiled a groundbreaking scholarship programme valued at E6 million to prepare and support the Kingdomβs top athletes on their journey to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Launched in partnership with the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs and the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council, the initiative will give athletes access to world-class training by placing them at high-performance centers outside Eswatiniβs borders.
The scholarships cover five sporting codes: Swimming, Athletics, Judo, Taekwondo, and Boxing. Two athletes have been selected in Swimming and two in Athletics, while one each will represent Judo and Taekwondo. The athlete in Boxing will be confirmed once registration with World Boxing has been finalized.
Scholarship recipients are:
- Swimming: Hayley Hoy and Luca Fraser
- Athletics: Bongiwe Mahlalela and Mayibongwe Vilakati
- Judo: Lamulela Magagula
- Taekwondo: Gcinumuzi Nxumalo
In addition, swimmer Chad Ning has been awarded a World Aquatics Scholarship, further boosting Eswatiniβs representation in international training programmes.
All recipients will benefit from exposure to top-tier facilities, coaching expertise, and competitive environments abroad, ensuring they are well-prepared to compete at the highest level.
EOCGA President Adam Mthethwa hailed the initiative as a bold step in Eswatiniβs sporting journey, stating:
βThis investment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the development of athletes and the future of sport in Eswatini. For the first time, our athletes will consistently train in world-class environments, equipping them with the tools to qualify for and succeed at the Olympic Games. We believe this programme will inspire not only the athletes themselves but the entire nation, as we strive towards making history in Los Angeles 2028.β
This unprecedented programme marks a significant milestone in EOCGAβs long-term vision to elevate Eswatiniβs presence on the Olympic stage.