Eswatini is set to commence its squad selection for the 7th African Cross-Country Championships, scheduled for March 20, 2027. The championships, hosted by Eswatini, will feature a four-day Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) program, including the CAA Council Meeting, Elective Congress, and a technical meeting. According to Lington Gule, Eswatini Local Organising Committee Public Relations Officer, trials will begin on October 31 in Manzini.
The African Cross-Country Championships return after a three-year hiatus, offering a significant platform for African federations to prepare for the 2027 season, the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China, and the 2028 Olympic Games. The championships will comprise seven events, contested over various distances. These events include the Senior Men and Women categories, which will cover 10km, and the U20 and U18 categories.
A second trial for the squad selection will be hosted in the Shiselweni Region at KaMethula Inkhundla on November 28. The selection process aims to identify top athletes to represent Eswatini at the continental showpiece. Eswatini's participation in the championships is seen as an opportunity to promote athletics and develop the country's athletes.
The CAA program leading up to the championships includes a series of meetings, with the Elective Congress scheduled for March 18, 2027. This follows the death of long-serving CAA President Hamad Kalkaba Malboum of Cameroon in May 2026. The congress will provide an opportunity for the CAA to re-elect its leadership and discuss matters related to athletics in Africa.
The 7th African Cross-Country Championships will feature events for Senior Men and Women, U20 Men and Women, and U18 Men and Women. The Mixed relay event will consist of two men and two women competing over four loops. The venue for the championships has not been disclosed.
Eswatini's hosting of the championships is seen as a significant opportunity for the country to promote athletics and develop its sports infrastructure. The event is expected to attract athletes from across Africa, providing a platform for them to compete and gain experience.
The selection of the Eswatini team for the championships will be based on the trials held in October and November. The country's top athletes will be selected to represent Eswatini at the continental showpiece. The championships will provide a valuable experience for the athletes, helping them prepare for future international competitions.
Key points
- Eswatini begins selecting its squad for the 7th African Cross-Country Championships.
- The championships return after a three-year hiatus, offering a platform for African athletes.
- Trials will be held in Manzini and the Shiselweni Region to select the Eswatini team.
