Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HARARE Amateur Swimming chairperson Rumbidzai Mahobele says they are moving in the right direction as a province after claiming the Senior National Championships title again yesterday at Les Brown.
The five-day competition saw the hosts accumulating a combined score of 3 449.50 points to defend the title.
They had the biggest team, with more than 100 swimmers representing the province.
The five-day meet featured over 200 swimmers from Bulawayo, Manicaland, Matabeleland South, Midlands, Matabeleland North, Mashonaland Country Districts, Crocs and Harare.
Bulawayo were second with 1 058 points, followed by Matabeleland South with 529 points, to complete the top three.
“We are very excited and well done to Harare. I think we put up a good show, good sportsmanship and we are glad that we have defended our title,” said Mahobele.
“Now, we look forward to continue the improvement amongst our athletes.
“Most of our swimmers that have made the South Africa Junior Nationals are from Harare, so that’s just a reflection of the level of competition that Harare puts up and yes we are looking forward to a good show there as well.
“Harare have done well overall, a lot of personal bests that have come out of this, a lot of time was dropping, big margins, and we are excited about that because that shows that the province is progressing in swimming, in the right direction.”
Neema Bhulabhai was one of Harare’s outstanding swimmers claiming eight medals — seven gold and one silver across a number of events in the girls’ 15-year-olds.
She got gold in 100m and 200m freestyle.
Bhulabhai also emerged tops in 50m breaststroke in 36.27seconds and she was impressed with her performance as she prepares for the South Africa Junior Championships.
“I think I did pretty well because I wasn’t expecting too much as I am in the middle of training for the SA Junior Nationals. I think I did pretty good,” said Bhulabhai.
Bhulabhai has had a good season, and she attributed her consistence to hard work and commitment.
“Just training hard and just showing up and try harder,” said Bhulabhai.
Harare’s vice-captain Matida Musere was pleased with the outcome, being crown the overall winners as a province.
“I feel very happy and I am feeling very proud of the team despite the weather on day three and four. It was rainy and there was so much lightning but they managed to pull through.
“And so many swimmers managed to get SA Junior times to compete in South Africa so that was a really good result at the Senior Nationals.
“There was very good quality of competition. We had swimmers from all different provinces, Bulawayo, Mat South, Manicaland, Mat North and they all brought all of their good swimmers.
“And I’d say the competition was very high and our swimmers managed to show up for themselves and for the team,” Musere.
Another medallist for Harare, in the boys’ category, Sibusiso Fayayo said; “Coming into this competition I just wanted to be able to reduce all my times. I was able to reduce all my times. Just get some PBs and try my best,” said Fayayo.
Crocs placed fourth and Mashonaland Country Districts were fifth.
Manicaland and Midlands were sixth and seventh respectively while Matabeleland North were ranked eighth.
