Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
RISING swimming star Jude Moss had a good day in the pool yesterday when picking another medal at the ongoing Africa Aquatics Zone IV Championships in Manzini, Eswatini.
Moss came second in 200m backstroke 11 to 12-year-old boys in 2minutes 41.99seconds to earn a silver medal yesterday.
On Wednesday Moss had claimed a gold medal in 100m backstroke 11 to 12-year-old boys in 1minute 08.78seconds, setting a new meet record and national record before earning a silver medal in the 50m breaststroke in the same age group in 37.30seconds,
And yesterday he continued with his good form.
Alexis Johnsen also returned to the pool yesterday, to earn two more medals, winning a silver medal in the 50m butterfly, 15 to 16-year-old girls, in 30.28seconds.
She added another bronze from the 200m freestyle in 2minutes 09.06seconds.
Eliecia Chivandire was also back in the pool in the 13 to 14-year-old girls 200m backstroke and she got a bronze in 2minutes 37.46seconds.
Vincent Nyamapfene settled for a bronze medal in 200m breaststroke, 11 to 12-year-old boys.
Zimbabwe had an encouraging start on the opening day, on Wednesday and as they entered day two yesterday, head coach for the team Masi Takaedza believes it boosted the young swimmers’ confidence.
“I think the team showed a very encouraging start.
“To pick up multiple medals on the opening day including Jude Moss’ gold and silver, (Sibusiso) Fayayo’s tied for silver, as well as strong swims from Alexis (Johnsen) and Daniella Vikim, both bronze, speaks to both the talent in the squad and the commitment the swimmers have shown in training.
“For a group with a good number of developmental athletes, it was a positive statement that Zimbabwe can still compete strongly across a range of events,” said Takaedza.
“Momentum at a championship meet is vital. Getting medals and personal bests early in the competition sets the tone for the whole team.
“It builds confidence, gives the younger swimmers belief, and creates energy on the pool side.
“It also eases the nerves, especially for those at their first Zone IV Championships. You could really see the athletes lifting each other after those strong swims.”
Zimbabwe Swimming chairperson Zanele Nkomazana indicated they are fielding more of a developmental team with the aim of building for the future.
Takaedza taking into account the fact they are focusing more on development, they are looking at exposure.
“This year’s team is very much a developmental side, so the focus is on exposure, learning, and improving race execution rather than chasing the overall medal tally.
“That said, the results already show that we have a healthy pipeline of swimmers who can rise to the challenge.
“I expect to see a mix of podium finishes and important race experiences that will feed into the athletes’ long-term progression.”
Also, part of the team are a few swimmers from the long list for the Youth Olympic Games.
“For the swimmers who are on the Youth Olympic pathway, Zone IV is an excellent test.
“They learn how to handle the championship environment such as warm-up pressure, racing multiple events over days, and coping with travel and team expectations.
“These are the same demands they will face at international level.
“The big lesson here is consistency: learning to prepare for each race, manage recovery, and execute race plans under pressure. If they can take these lessons forward, they will be better prepared for the bigger stage next year,” Takaedza said.
The regional meet is running until Sunday.
