adminRay Bande Senior Sports Reporter
RENOWNED Mutare tennis talent nursery, Mantas Tennis Academy product Pauline “Pops” Chawafambira will join compatriots Valerie Bhunhu and Rufaro Chirewa when they take to the courts in Congo Brazzaville for the All-Africa Games.
The trio were part of the provisional team unveiled the by the Sports Commission ahead of the Games to be held in Congo Brazzaville from September 2-19.
The talented youngster, who traces her roots to the dusty streets of Dangamvura, is no stranger to the All-Africa Games after taking part in the same competition in Mozambique and lost in the third round when she was only 16.
Team Zimbabwe started taking part in the Games in 1987, where they won 13 medals and in 1991 the medals tally improved to 24 and then 35, four years later on home soil.
Chawafambira, who is currently in the United States of America, where she is pursuing her studies as well as the game of tennis, said she is looking forward to the Games with the aim of representing her country well.
“I know it is going to be tough. I have been there before and I know the kind of competition to expect. I am working hard to ensure that by the time the Games start I would be in good shape and be able to represent my country well.
“I have had a number of tournaments that have managed to keep me fit and ready to compete.
“The last two tournaments that l played were ITA Regional Championship and I won both singles and doubles and the other tournament was ITA National Championships which were held in Tuscon, Arizona for singles. I lost in the semi-finals and in the doubles we got whopped in first round,” she said.
In 1999, the country managed 24 medals before winning seven medals in 2003 and 23 medals in 2007.
The last Games saw Team Zimbabwe winning 15 medals in Maputo in 2011.
Sports Commission director for sports development Joseph Muchechetere said they will try to mobilise financial resources for the team to feature at the Games.
“We are happy to unveil the provisional team for the 2015 edition of the All-Africa Games and we are looking forward to mobilising resources.
“We are yet to know the actual budget as it is still a provisional team. The selection process was guided by four guidelines identified by the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee.
“The players to take part will be mainly those who have national and continental records,” said Muchechetere.
Teams
Athletics Men
Team Manager: Titus Madzingo,
Coach: Lismati Pakamile
Team: Francis Zimwara, Keegan Cooke, Peter Benjamin, Brian Mada, Ngoni Makusha, Gabriel Mvumvure, Tenadi Zimuto.
Athletics Women
Coach: Precious Tarakino
Team: Olivia Chitate, Maryjoy Mudyiravanji, Nomagugu Ndlovu, Caroline Mhandu
Basketball Men
Manager: Shinga Mugede
Coach: Elery Pinketon,
Team: Taurai Chitsinde, Neville Chivhanyange, Tawanda Chitsinde, Evaristo Pasipamire, Duncan Shenje, Tatenda Maturure, Simbarashe Mugomedzi, Brian Hore, Sternard Mapurisa, Billy Melusi, Vitalis Chikoko
Beach Volleyball Men
Coach: Vengai Nyaude
Team: Nyashadzashe Takawira, Rufaro Choto, Simbarashe Chidziva, Keith Machakaire, Kudzanai Chironga
Beach Volleyball Women
Coach: Kudzai Muzondo
Team: Media Mafuta, Tsungirirai Taderera, Viola Mchaoona, Progress Gasa, Vuyisiwa Dhlomo
Cycling
Coach: Linda Davidson Mechanic: Anthony Greenway
Helen Mitchell, Skye Davidson
Football Under-23
Coach: Calisto Pasuwa
Team: Tatenda Mukuruva, Donovan Bernard, Tonderayi Mateyaunga, Blessing Moyo, Teenage Hadebe, Wisdom Mutasa, Walter Musona, Takabva Mawaya, Terence Gonzo, Tatenda Dzumbunu, Carlos Rusere, Pritchard Mphelele, Tinotenda Kadewere, Tafadzwa Kutinyu, Gerald Katinyu, Praise Tonha, Munyaradzi Nyenye-Diro, Lawrence Mhlanga, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Malvin Gaki, Liberty Chikoroma, Gerald Takwara
Gymnastics
Coach: Chris Muchatuta
Team: Kudzaishe Nyazvigo, Priviledge Sande
Judo
Coach: Smart Tayazimba
Team: Lazarus Alufandika, Sydney Chibwayi
Karate
Coach: Paul Danisa
Team: Innocent Gaini, Winston Nyanhete, Gerald Muusha, Unesu Hlahla, Storme Cara
Rugby
Team: Fortunate Chipendu, Boyd Rouse, Shayne Makombe, Kilvan Magunje, Hilton Mudariki, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Njabulo Ndlovu, Riaan O’Neil, Lineince Tamberwa, Kuda Chiwanza, Biselele Tshamala and Jaques Leito,
Coach: Daniel Hondo
Manager: Steven Macdonald
Swimming
Team: Chad Idensohn, Sean Gunn, James Lawson, Peter Wetzlar, Kirsty Coventry and Robyn Lee
Coach/Manager: Gareth Desmond
Taekwondo
Team: Philip Rufasha
Coach/Manager: Ndaona Kembo
Tennis
Manager: Linsent Chitiyo, Coach: Martin Dzuwa
Team: Takanyi Garanganga, Benjamin Lock, Fynn Mark, Valerie Bhunhu, Rufaro Chirewa and Pauline Chawafambira
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