Eswatini swimmer Siwakhile Dlamini has been awarded a World Aquatics scholarship to study in Phuket, Thailand.
This is according to a press statement that was released by the Eswatini Swimming Association (ESA) yesterday morning. “The Eswatini Swimming Association is pleased to inform its members that Siwakhile Dlamini has been awarded a World Aquatics Scholarship to go and train at the Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort in Phuket, Thailand. Dlamini will leave the country on September 28, 2023 and she will be based in Thailand for one year. We wish you nothing but the best Siwakhile. Shine the Eswatini flag and make us proud,” reads part of the statement.
The swimming star said she was thrilled to receive such a rare and incredible opportunity, one that comes only once in a lifetime. ‘I’m really grateful to God for this amazing opportunity. I’m determined to work hard in order to achieve the results I desire. I’m also looking forward to learning new things and making beautiful memories while I’m there. I’m both excited and nervous at the same time,” she said.
ESA Secretary General (SG) Nozipho Mahlalela said that the ESA was proud of the athlete’s achievement. “We are very proud of this achievement, as it showcases what sports are all about. We are excited for Siwakhile, as this opportunity will take her to the next level. She is a hardworking and dedicated swimmer, and we have no doubt that this will greatly benefit her and improve her performance,” she said.
Mahlalela went on to share that this was the first of many opportunities for the swimming community. “As an association, we are determined to put the needs of athletes and their coaches first. We wish Siwakhile the best of luck. All glory belongs to God for this opportunity. This is the first-of-its-kind for a Swazi (Eswatini) swimmer, but we believe that more opportunities will come our way as we continue to build relationships with our international counterparts,” she revealed.
