Eswatini draw Zambia, Zimbabwe in Region V Games

MBABANE – Eswatini Under-17 boys will face Zambia and Zimbabwe in Group C of the African Union Sports Council Region V Youth Games in Maputo.

The draw, which has now been completed and locked, was released ahead of the 12th edition of the Games to be held in Maputo and Matola, Mozambique from December 4-13, 2026.

The Eswatini junior national football outfit are in Group C alongside Zambia and Zimbabwe. With only three teams in the group, every game is effectively a knockout and there is no room for a slow start.

Team Eswatini Chef de Mission Victor ‘Mavikane’ Dlamini said the tough draw will not change the team’s ambitions.

“We are not going to Maputo just to add numbers; our teams are going there to compete for podium finishes. If you want to be on the podium, you must beat the best,” Dlamini said.

In the Under-17 Girls football competition, Eswatini were drawn in Group B with Zambia and Lesotho. The CDM described it as a competitive but winnable group, with the clash against neighbours Lesotho likely to decide who advances.

Apart from the team sports, Dlamini said the country will also be sending teams for athletics, athletes living with disabilities, wheelchair athletics and Special Olympics, as well as tennis.

He added that this broader contingent shows Eswatini’s commitment to inclusivity and to chasing medals across both team and individual codes.

‘Mavikane’ said preparations will now be intensified with a clear focus on podium finishes across all codes, led by football.

THE DRAW:

FOOTBALL U-17 BOYS – GROUP C

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Eswatini

FOOTBALL U-17 GIRLS – GROUP B

Zambia

Lesotho

Eswatini

BASKETBALL 3×3 MEN – POOL A

Mozambique

Zimbabwe

Malawi

Eswatini

INDOOR VOLLEYBALL GIRLS – GROUP A

Mozambique

Angola

Zimbabwe

Eswatini

BEACH VOLLEYBALL GIRLS – GROUP D

Malawi A

Botswana A

South Africa B

Eswatini B

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