dyton mupawaenda
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOLLOWING the announcement of the team to represent the country at the forthcoming Africa Aquatics Junior Championships in Egypt, coach Cheitimu Phiri has expressed confidence the young swimmers will deliver.
Zimbabwe Swimming named two teams – the team for the 16th Africa Aquatics Junior Championships scheduled for April 30 to May 4 in Egypt.
And the team for South Africa National Junior (SANJ) Championships due to take place from April 25 to 29 in Cape Town.
Phiri, will be in charge of the team for the Africa Aquatics Junior Championships.
For the build-up to the competition, he will be coordinating with the swimmers’ respective coaches at their clubs and is confident the swimmers will give their best.
“As a coach, I communicate with their coaches from their clubs, so then I will move around and see when they are training.
“To be honest these swimmers are prepared. But you know, they are young and I would say for this one some of them it’s the first time. But the competition is the same.
“Some of them, they competed in Cape Town and the same swimmers (that were) in Cape Town, different countries, they are the same swimmers who are going to swim with us as well in Egypt.
“So, I trust we will do our best,” said Phiri.
Some of the swimmers who spoke to Zimpapers Sports, expressed their excitement on making the team for the continental meet.
Alexis Johnsen, who is one of the youngest in the team and will be making her debut at the continental event, is aiming for personal best times when she competes.
“I am so proud to be part of this team and representing Zimbabwe.
“Yes, this is my first Africa Junior Championships. It is very important and hopefully there will be many more to come.
“To be honest it’s quite scary as it comes with a lot of pressure to perform at that level. I have set my goals to get PBs (personal best).
“I am really looking forward to being with all the swimmers from all the countries and seeing the level they all perform,” said Johnsen.
She has represented the country before, when taking part at the Africa Aquatics Zone IV Championships (formerly CANA Zone IV) last December.
“I have had a very good season so far. We had CANA in December in Namibia, which I medalled and got my qualifying times.
“I am doing a lot of training at the moment and feel ready,” said Johnsen.
Anje Van As, who transitioned from triathlon to focus on swimming is hopeful of the championships.
“I am extremely grateful to have made the team for Africa Championships this year. This is a great event to compete at so, I am thankful to have made it into the team for this year’s edition.
“This will be my first time competing at Africa Championships for swimming. I am so excited to race with the top swimmers in Africa this year.
“To be able to compete at this level is an honour and a privilege. The level of competition is so strong in Africa and to be able to race with the best in the continent will be an incredible experience.
“I am going into this event hoping for personal bests in my events,” Van As said.
United Kingdom-based Mikayla Makwabarara, a medallist at the African Games in Accra, Ghana last year is among the torch bearers for Team Zimbabwe.
Teams:
Africa Aquatics Junior Championships
Female: Mikayla Makwabarara, Anje Van As, Tori Dawe, Susie Worsfold, Alexis Johnsen.
Male: Kyle Heyns, Khaya Vimba, Tawanda Jani.
Coach: Cheitimu Phiri.
South Africa National Junior Swimming Championships
Female: Olivia Accorsi, Neema Bhulabhai, Tori Dawe, Alexis Johnsen, Kristin Jones, Kaylea Rogers, Acacia Watson, Susie Worsfold, Tyla Van Der Westhuizen, Ruvarashe Choto, Ocean Armstrong, Farai Matabeya.
Male: Nathan Chibva, Jude Moss, Ryan Mugota, Callum Chisholm, Sibusiso Fayayo, Quinton Kuraimunashe, Shane Mphoko, Kwandokuhle Nkomazana, Teak Watson, Bohan Guo, Yihan Shen.
Officials: Nyasha Donzva (manager), Philani Dhlamini (manager/coach), Chipo Mwachema (coach).
Online Reporter