Latest Stories - Eswatini's Rising Judo Star: From Preschool Passion to African Championships Glory

25 Nov, 2024

Lamulela Magagula, a recent graduate of Waterford Kamhlaba UWCSA, celebrated a significant milestone by completing her IB2 studies during a joyous ceremony that brought together families from around the globe. The celebration, however, was more than just an academic achievement—it reflected the essence of a Waterford and UWC education.

“I have spent my teenage years in an environment that embraces openness and allows diversity to challenge us in various ways as we interact with people from different backgrounds,” Lamulela shares. “Right now, I can speak French because of my interactions with students from French-speaking backgrounds. I also celebrate the cultures of others, thanks to the influence of Waterford Kamhlaba—I’m far more open to other cultures than I was before.”

Beyond her academic accomplishments, Lamulela has excelled in the world of sports. In 2024, she clinched a gold medal in the junior category at the African Judo Championships in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire—a feat that earned her the title of number one on the continent in her weight class.

“I was encouraged to share my achievements with the school, and I’m very proud and grateful to have won the first continental gold medal for Eswatini,” she says with pride.

A Journey of Challenges and Triumphs

Lamulela vividly recalls the intense heat of Abidjan, where she competed against other junior athletes aged 18 to 20 in the under-63kg category. The championship in Côte d'Ivoire was her second African competition, following her debut in Angola in May 2024, where she finished fourth.

Earlier in the year, Lamulela competed in a regional judo tournament held at Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event brought together athletes from Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

“I was the only athlete representing Eswatini,” she explains. “I’ve participated in this regional competition about three times before, but as a cadet, not a junior. In 2024, I got silver as a junior. As a cadet, I had won gold in all my previous attempts.”

Her journey to the African Championships in Angola and Côte d'Ivoire was made possible through the support of Eswatini’s Sports Council. These competitions marked a significant step forward for Lamulela and for women’s judo in Eswatini.

Breaking Barriers in Eswatini

Lamulela’s success is not just personal—it represents a breakthrough for Eswatini’s female athletes. She is keenly aware of the obstacles she has overcome, including the fact that no other female judo player from Eswatini has yet been approved to compete internationally.

“I train with boys and compete with girls,” she says with courage and determination. She is grateful for the unwavering support of her parents and the mentorship of her coach, both of whom have played pivotal roles in her journey.

As Lamulela reflects on her experiences, her story is one of resilience, hard work, and the power of community—values she cultivated during her years at Waterford Kamhlaba. Her achievements are not just a testament to her skill and determination but also an inspiration to young athletes across Eswatini and beyond.

From Preschool Passion to International Success

When most children are introduced to sports, it often begins as play. For Lamulela, however, it started with tears of intrigue. Today, her journey has transformed those early emotions into triumphs on international mats, as she proudly represents Eswatini on the African judo stage.

Her love for judo began unexpectedly at Brilliant Stars Preschool in Mbabane, where a coach gave a demonstration to spark interest in the sport.

“I cried the first time I saw it,” she recalls. “But I found it fascinating. I loved that it wasn’t about punching or kicking—it was more about self-defense, wrestling, and grappling. It’s all about technique, trying to get the opponent flat on their back. Judo means ‘the gentle way’ in Japanese, and it really isn’t a dangerous sport.”

Early Steps on the Mat

She started training as a hobby at the Mbabane Theatre Club twice a week after school. Her coach quickly noticed her potential and encouraged her parents to allow her to compete.

“I fought older kids—11 and 12-year-olds—at my very first competition and still won a silver medal,” she says.

This was just the beginning. While still at Sifundzani Primary School, she participated in regional competitions in South Africa, earning medals and gaining exposure. Over the years, she competed and trained in countries such as Botswana, Mauritius, and even Ireland, where she attended a training camp sponsored by Eswatini’s Sports Council.

Her coach has been a constant presence in her journey, shaping her into the disciplined athlete she is today. “He’s tough but experienced. He knows the psychology behind the sport, prepares us mentally and physically, and has made the Swazi judo team stronger,” says Lamulela.

Facing Africa’s Best

The leap from regional competitions to the African Championships was both thrilling and daunting for Lamulela. Her debut at the African Judo Championships in Angola was a learning experience.

“It was my first time competing on such a big stage. I was nervous, second-guessing myself, and there wasn’t a cheering Swazi crowd to support me. It was just my coach and me, facing athletes who had entire teams backing them.”

Despite the challenges, she gained invaluable experience. Her coach assured her that this setback was a necessary stepping stone, saying, “It’s good that you lost because now you know how to prepare properly.”

Armed with this wisdom, she approached the next African Championships in Ivory Coast with a new mindset. “I was more mentally prepared. My coach had me visualize my fights, practice breathing exercises, and focus on seeing the opponent as just another person—not their country or the crowd behind them,” she says.

This mental preparation paid off. She fought her way through four elimination rounds to reach the final, where she faced a tough Ivory Coast opponent ranked 79th in Africa. “The arena erupted with screams for my opponent, and it was silent when it was my turn. But I blocked it out. I told myself, ‘It’s just me and this one person,’” says Lamulela.

Her perseverance and skill earned her another medal and a significant milestone—her first African and global rankings, which she expects to receive soon.

Strength in Family and Community

Her journey has not been without challenges. As a young woman in a sport often stereotyped as male-dominated, she has faced judgment. “Some people don’t think it’s a female sport. But my parents, extended family, friends, and even my school coach have been pillars of strength. They all support me and make me feel proud of what I do.”

Her mother, a lawyer, initially became involved as a supportive “judo mom” but has since taken a more active role in the sport’s community in Eswatini.

Eyes on the Future

With medals from South Africa, Mauritius, Botswana, Angola, and Ivory Coast, this young judoka is just getting started. Her success is not only a personal achievement but also a demonstration of Eswatini’s growing presence in judo.

As she awaits her official rankings, she reflects on how far she has come and the experiences that have shaped her, saying: “Judo has taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of preparation. It’s more than just a sport—it’s a way of life.”

Eswatini has every reason to be proud of this rising star, whose determination and spirit continue to put the nation on the global judo map.

Waterford Kamhlaba UWCSA should also celebrate its recent graduate, who speaks highly of the school as an institution that shaped her. “A Waterford education has shaped me to be what I am today, and I have learned a lot from the diversity at the school,” she says.

< < < Back to other Latest Stories