ENGLISH
MBABANE-Eswatini’s Next Generation Taekwondo team won eight medals at the annual Open Taekwondo Pela Paz in Zimpeto, Maputo, Mozambique, on October 10, 2026.
The team collected four gold, two silver and two bronze medals at the Taekwondo for Peace Open, using the tournament to assess its athletes and gauge the strength of the opposition ahead of the Region 5 Games test event on October 31.
Elizabeth Austin was the standout performer, winning two gold medals in kyorugi (sparring) and poomsae (patterns). Aphiwe Dlamini also secured gold and claimed a trophy, while Lindokuhle Fakudze won another gold medal.
Nkosinathi Mthembu and Nkosephayo Gamedze earned silver medals, while Sibongokuhle Mabuza and Lindelwa Mkhatshwa each claimed bronze.
Sifiso Dlamini and Gcinumuzi Nxumalo did not secure medals.
Coach Sandzisile Mavimbela described the tournament as a success, saying the team would focus on specific areas of performance during training this week to improve its chances of producing good results at the October 31 test event.
The annual tournament celebrates peace and is held in Zimpeto, Maputo, Mozambique. The Eswatini delegation comprised two coaches, Master Sizwe Mabuza and Mavimbela, four parents and three young athletes who attended their first taekwondo competition as observers.
MEDAL WINNERS
Elizabeth Austin – Two gold medals (kyorugi and poomsae)
Aphiwe Dlamini – Gold medal and trophy
Lindokuhle Fakudze – Gold medal
Nkosinathi Mthembu – Silver medal
Nkosephayo Gamedze – Silver medal
Sibongokuhle Mabuza – Bronze medal
Lindelwa Mkhatshwa – Bronze medal