The 2025 FNB Eswatini Challenge wrapped up on a high note at the Ezulwini Golf and Country Club, increasing the profile of local golf development and offering unprecedented opportunities for Eswatini’s professional golfers.
This year marked a milestone for local talent as FNB Eswatini, the tournament’s main sponsor, allocated E60,000 in cash prizes solely for the top three emaSwati players, a first in the event’s history.
Additionally, an extra E60,000 was dedicated to offering free practice sessions for local professional golfers, aimed at improving their skills and boosting their competitiveness internationally.
At the ceremony, FNB Eswatini CEO Thokozani Dlamini emphasized the bank’s commitment to investing not just in sports, but in people and Eswatini’s future.
“We don’t just invest in sport; we invest in people, progress, and the future,” Dlamini said. “We are proud to have added E60,000 toward free practice sessions for our local professional golfers. Throughout the tournament, we have seen how this investment has translated into better performance, confidence, and pride on the course.”
Representing the Minister of Sports, Culture, and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, along with the Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, addressed the crowd at the award ceremony on August 9. Nzima praised the tournament for encouraging a competitive spirit among local players and commended the improved support mechanisms introduced this year.
“Being the top three local players of the Challenge is not necessarily the end goal. You must now continue to diligently perfect your craft so that you compete strongly for the main prize in 2026,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of ongoing improvement and dedication.
The increased financial backing and training opportunities are a major step toward developing a robust local golf scene capable of competing with international players.
Nxumalo also praised the collaborative effort between the government, FNB Eswatini, and other stakeholders in building a sustainable sports development framework.
“As a Ministry responsible for sports development, we are well aware that we cannot achieve sustainable sport growth without steady investment from all sectors of the economy and the cooperation of partners,” he said. “I further challenge other organizations running sporting events to follow FNB Eswatini’s example and forge partnerships that benefit everyone.”
The tournament drew hundreds of golfers and brought together local organizations partnering with FNB Eswatini to host a top-tier sporting event that also significantly boosted the local economy.
Dlamini expressed pride in the event’s international appeal and the community unity it fostered.
“We are incredibly proud to have hosted a truly international event, with players from around the world joining us here in Ezulwini,” he said. “This not only created great viewing but also helped boost local tourism, support small businesses, and bring communities closer.”
The support network behind the Challenge includes the Sunshine Tour, Eswatini Golfing Union, Eswatini Professional Golfers Association, Old Mutual, Oracle Insurance, MTN Eswatini, and others. Media partners like Times of Eswatini, Eswatini TV, and SuperSport provided extensive coverage, further raising the event’s profile.
The Minister reaffirmed His Majesty’s Government’s ongoing backing for sports and invited investors to explore opportunities in Eswatini’s expanding sports industry.
“As we have seen during this Challenge, Eswatini can host world-class sporting events. Indeed, Eswatini is open for business,” he said.
As the 2025 edition concludes, the Minister challenged FNB Eswatini and all involved to build on this year’s success.
“Make the 2026 FNB Eswatini Challenge even bigger and better!” he encouraged.