By Bongiwe Dlamini

MBABANE: The European Union has donated a kit to Sihle FC, a soccer team of youths from Gangankhulu, under Maphalaleni iNkhundla.

The EU was responding to a call for help which was posted by veteran journalist Musa Ndlangamandla online.

“The European Union (EU) Delegation to Eswatini, which is the EU diplomatic mission to the country, has come through for a soccer team of youths from Gangankhulu, in the Maphalaleni Inkhundla outside Mbabane, by donating two Mikasa soccer balls and 25 t-shirts to help their team, Sihle FC, prepare for games," a statement from the EU issued today, reads. 

A week ago, Yibutse Green Action NPO sent out an SOS for assistance with a soccer kit, comprising boots, shirts, socks, balls and shin pads for the team. 

The donation of the balls and t-shirts was made on Monday 29th May 2023 at the Coronation Park in Mbabane, by Jenny Brown and Luisa Hansi, of the European Union Delegation to Eswatini, it was received by the team captain, Bongiswa Shongwe, and star player, Sihle Ndzabandzaba. 

"On behalf of the young people of Gangankhulu and across the country we would like to thank the EU Delegation in Eswatini most heartily for the donation. This comes at a time when we are building our team and involving young people in sport to enlighten our communities on climate change,” said the captain.

 On another note, Jenny Brown of the EU said the EU Delegation was delighted to hand over the footballs and t-shirts and went on to say that “getting involved in sporting activities was also a great way to protect mental health by reducing stress and depression. 

“If you regularly play sports, you can see your body starts to feel many positive changes and your mood is better! Team sports are particularly beneficial as you can form friendships which eases depression and social anxiety,” he said.