AGE IN MOTION LEAGUE: MBABANE MUNICIPALITY CHAMPIONS SPORT, WELLNESS AND UNITY
The Municipal Council of Mbabane is strengthening its commitment to sport, employee wellness and community development following the successful conclusion of the 2025/26 Age in Motion League, a programme that continues to bring businesses, organisations and communities together through sport.
The season culminated in a celebration attended by representatives of participating organisations, with KFC Mbabane emerging as champions, followed by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in second place and the Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE) taking the bronze medal position.
The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) was also among the participating teams, reaffirming its commitment to initiatives that use football to promote healthy lifestyles, social interaction and community development.
Established in 2022 with 12 teams, the Age in Motion League has grown considerably and now boasts with 38 teams, reflecting the increasing appetite for organised recreational sport in Mbabane.
Opening the celebration, Mbabane Municipal Council Chief Executive Officer Ms Gciniwe Fakudze described Age in Motion as an important platform for the development of the city.
“The growth of Age in Motion since its establishment has been remarkable. What started with 12 teams has developed into a programme involving 38 teams, and this demonstrates the appetite that exists among businesses, organisations and communities for organised sport.”
Ms Fakudze said the Municipality sees significant potential for the programme to grow even further, particularly through increased participation from businesses and organisations.
“We believe there is still considerable room for the league to develop. We want to see more organisations participating and using sport not only for competition, but also as a platform for employee wellness, interaction and team building.”
MORE THAN JUST FOOTBALL
For participating organisations, Age in Motion has become much more than a football competition.
Representatives highlighted the opportunity created by the league for employees to interact outside their normal working environments, strengthen professional relationships and remain physically active.
One participating team representative said the programme had become an important part of workplace wellness.
“Age in Motion gives us an opportunity to leave the office environment and interact with our colleagues in a completely different setting. We compete against each other on the field, but at the same time we build friendships, teamwork and stronger relationships.”
The participants also pointed to the importance of physical activity in promoting healthier lifestyles and addressing lifestyle-related health challenges.
“As we get older, staying active becomes increasingly important. This league gives us the motivation to exercise while also enjoying ourselves. It is about football, but it is equally about our health and wellbeing.”
MAYOR CALLS FOR BROADER FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT
Mbabane Municipality Mayor His Worship Councillor Thulani Mkhonto thanked the participating businesses and organisations for embracing the initiative and contributing to its continued growth.
The Mayor also challenged stakeholders to look beyond the Age in Motion League and explore how sport could contribute more broadly to football development in the city.
“We appreciate the businesses and organisations that have embraced Age in Motion. Their participation is what has allowed this initiative to grow. We must now ask ourselves how we can take this programme to the next level.”
Councillor Mkhonto called for greater collaboration between the Municipality, sporting organisations, businesses and communities to create opportunities for people of different ages to participate in sport.
“Our discussion should not end with Age in Motion. We need to look at the broader development of football in Mbabane and bring stakeholders together to find ways of strengthening the sport across different age groups.”
He said a coordinated approach could create a stronger sporting environment within the city and provide more opportunities for participation and development.
EFA WELCOMES STRONGER COLLABORATION
Representing the Eswatini Football Association, EFA Chief Executive Officer Mr Frederick Mngomezulu expressed appreciation to the Municipal Council of Mbabane for establishing and sustaining the Age in Motion programme.
“The EFA appreciates the vision of the Municipal Council of Mbabane in establishing Age in Motion and sustaining it over the years. The growth of this programme demonstrates what can be achieved when stakeholders come together around a common sporting objective.”
Mr Mngomezulu emphasised that football has a role to play beyond traditional competitive structures.
“Football is more than a game. It brings people together, promotes healthy living, builds relationships and teaches teamwork. Programmes such as Age in Motion demonstrate how football can contribute to the wellbeing of individuals and communities.”
The EFA CEO further welcomed the Municipality’s intention to expand the Age in Motion concept beyond football to include netball and volleyball.
“We welcome the proposed expansion of Age in Motion to other sporting codes. A multi-sport programme will make the initiative even more inclusive and create opportunities for more people to participate in physical activity.”
He added that the EFA was committed to working with the Municipality and other stakeholders to strengthen football development in Mbabane.
“The EFA looks forward to strengthening its relationship with the Municipal Council of Mbabane. Through collaboration, we can create sustainable programmes that use football as a vehicle for healthy living, social connection, youth development and community engagement.”
BUILDING A SPORTING CITY
The continued growth of Age in Motion demonstrates the potential of sport to contribute to the social and developmental agenda of the City of Mbabane.
From its beginnings with 12 teams in 2022 to 38 teams across the Corporate and Community leagues, the programme has evolved into an important recreational sporting platform for businesses, organisations and communities.
Its significance extends beyond the final league standings. It provides employees with an opportunity to remain active, develop relationships, strengthen teamwork and enjoy the social benefits of sport.
The proposed expansion into netball and volleyball could further enhance the programme’s reach and establish Age in Motion as a broader multi-sport wellness initiative.
For the EFA, the programme also provides an opportunity to demonstrate football’s wider social value and strengthen partnerships with local authorities, businesses and communities.
As the 2025/26 season draws to a close, attention now turns to the future of Age in Motion and the broader development of sport in Mbabane.
With the Municipality, EFA, businesses and other stakeholders showing a willingness to work together, Age in Motion has the potential to evolve into a flagship sporting and wellness programme that positions sport at the centre of a healthier, more connected and more active Mbabane.