Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WITH the team for the Africa Aquatics Zone IV Championships in place, Zimbabwe Swimming are hopeful of a positive showing at the regional event next month.
Zimbabwe Swimming are looking at sending 42 swimmers for the meet that is due to take place from September 2 to 5 in Gaborone, Botswana.
The Zone IV competition brings together some of the young, talented athletes from the Southern Africa region.
Zimbabwe Swimming sponsorship, marketing, and public relations convener Tendai Mazike said most of the swimmers have made progress in their preparations.
“They have been preparing throughout the winter season.
“In terms of the expectations, we obviously are hoping for podium finishes, but also personal bests from our swimmers.
“We have really been doing well in terms of our performance at the Zone IV Championships,” said Mazike.
The local season usually runs from September to April, and most of the swimmers used the winter break to focus on preparing for the regional competition.
The team is made up of some of the country’s promising swimmers, with the likes of Neema Bhulabhai, Alexis Johnsen, Daniella Viki, Connor Grist, Eliecia Chivandire, and Jude Moss among the top rising talent.
Johnsen, Bhulabhai, and Grist were part of the team that competed at the 17th Africa Aquatics Championships in May in Algeria.
And will be hoping to also build on their continental experience when they meet their counterparts from the region.
Johnsen, together with Viki and Grist are also looking forward to their appearance at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Apart from going for medals, the regional competition presents them with a platform to gauge their progress towards the YOG.
“It’s very important in that they can also measure their performance versus those countries that are usually at the top, like your South Africa, your Namibia.
“So, it’s a very important competition, really, to measure their performance,” Mazike said.
The swimmers are working with their respective coaches in their clubs.
Team
Ryan Mugota, Daniella Viki, Farai Matabeya, Tanatswa Chandiwana, Tafadzwa Chandiwana, Eli Wesley Petersen, Neema Bhulabhai, Ruvarashe Mukungunugwa, Monalisa Sibanda, Acacia Watson, Dominic Bowl, Amaranthine Dunkley, Jamela Madonko, Alexis Johnsen, Vincent Nyamapfene, Wade Cameroon, George Munengwa, Gabriel Munengwa, Jude Moss, Kaylea Rogers, Quinton Kuraimunashe, Unami Nkomo, Nathan Chibva, Tristan Harris, Con-nor Grist, Mason Granger, Ocean Armstrong, Levi Rickards, Nhanisi Moyo, Tyla van der Westhuizen, Joshah Siwela, Liam Chicksen, Adriel Chivandire, Eliecia Chivandire, Tatenda Mujati, Tatenda Kadzirange, Tumisang Mtetwa, Jwes Jared, Sabrina Madondo, Talia Bvindi, Mbalenhle Jared, Stephanie Kadzirange.
Team Management:
Shereen Lemon, Earl Joseph, Leigh-Anne Young, Michael Roper.
