malvernmugadzikwa
Online Reporter
PREPARATIONS are in full swing as Zimbabwe prepares to join 49 other countries at this year’s African Games, which are slated for March 8 to 24 in Accra, Ghana.
For Team Zimbabwe, a contingent of roughly 128 athletes and officials are expected to grace the African Games.
About 83 athletes are expected to take part in nine sports codes, and these include athletics, rugby, cricket, karate, judo, tennis, swimming, triathlon and chess.
Speaking at the official unveiling press conference held in Harare on Wednesday, Team Zimbabwe Chef de Mission Eltah Nengomasha said:
“Team Zimbabwe 2024’s strategy for team selection and participation is anchored mainly on individual and team performance.
“The potential to achieve a podium performance, qualify for the Olympics and improve rankings were the primary considerations, as well as availing developmental platforms.”
She added:
“In coming with the team, the technical committee, in July 2023, engaged national sports associations to deliberate on athlete/official/team proposals and through these engagements, a provisional team was first agreed on before the final team selection and verification exercise was carried out.”
While she did not reveal the members of Team Zimbabwe, Nengomasha seemed excited and very pleased with both the process and the actual team.
“We are beyond excited to send our athletes to compete at the prestigious 13th edition of the African Games.
“This is a momentous occasion for Zimbabwean sport, and we are confident that our athletes will put their best foot forward.
“The participating teams and athletes have been working hard in preparation and are ready to set new records and leave their mark at the Games,” she went on.
Team Zimbabwe are expected to leave for Ghana in batches with the first expected to leave on March 5 while the second and final will depart on March 13.
Prior to departure, an unveiling ceremony is expected to take place during which the members of Team Zimbabwe will only then be made public.
At the time of print, only the Zimbabwe Sevens team (Cheetahs), Lady Chevrons, and their male counterparts are the only teams confirmed.
Bongani Ndlovu