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FOUR Matabeleland swimmers are part of a 10-member team representing Zimbabwe in the South African Level Three Championships which began in Port Elizabeth yesterday.
Lorna Riley, who heads the Zimbabwe swimming national association, confirmed that the team had left for the event on Tuesday.
The competition ends on Monday and hopes are high that the athletes will give a good account of themselves.
As was expected, Mashonaland dominates the team with six swimmers who have been consistent and outstanding in a number of national events over the years.
Included were Ratidzo Mutangadura, Chase Onorati, Liam Davis, Ayman Khatoun, Nomvula Mjimba and Cole Onorati who led Mashonaland’s dominance during the recently held national junior championships in Bulawayo.
Denilson Cyprianos, eager to follow his eldest brother, Andy, who left for the United States in January on a scholarship, is part of the swimmers that have emerged from a vibrant junior development programme in Bulawayo. Other bright spots to make it include Dale Bruce, Grant Smith and Liam O Hara.
Tracey Doorman is the team’s manageress with Lindy Tudor-Cole the coach.
“We are hoping that the majority of these swimmers are able to make a final which would be a great achievement for them.
“We’re also hopeful of medals from Chase Onorati and Liam Davis who have won these before at the same competition.
“The rest of the team, with the exception of Ratidzo, are new to the tour so as yet untried at this level of competition,” said Riley.
The swimmers were chosen through a very transparent selection process and all deserve their national colours.
Swimming has stayed one of the most organised and professionally run sporting disciplines.
It has a good structure that has provincial and national competitions at all levels annually.
Lack of heated pools has ensured that local swimmers are active for just under six months and sponsorship has also been hard to come by.
Online Reporter