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Mbachi Mutukula-Maregere Sports Reporter
TEAM Zimbabwe have set themselves a target of winning 40 medals at this year’s Africa Union Region Five Youth Games set to run from December 4 to 14 in Bulawayo.
Speaking at the official unveiling of the team at Prince Edward School yesterday, Team Zimbabwe chef-de-mission Sebastian Garikai said this year’s squad stands a good chance of scooping many medals.
“We have set a target and want to scoop 40 medals to finish ahead of South Africa who have been winning, at least, 30 medals in the previous Games,” Garikai said.
He announced a 224-member squad that will represent the nation at the Games in Bulawayo.
The athletes, drawn from nine sporting disciplines, include 2014 Youth Olympians, Mary Joy Mudyiravanji, Enlitha Ncube and Titus Nyathi from athletics and swimmers Chad Idensohn and Robyn Lee.
The local athletes are expected to go into camp tomorrow while the foreign-based athletes will join them a few days before the Games.
The home-based athletes will start their preparations on Saturday in Bulawayo.
The athletes will be using the National University of Science and Technology for their camp.
They have also been using Bindura University and Prince Edward School for their preparations.
“We are happy that the day has finally come for Team Zimbabwe to be announced, we are glad that the national sport associations were able to select their teams and during our training camps we had a chance of knowing all the athletes,” said Garikai.
Sprinter Tsitsi Mahachi said they have been working hard at their training camp.
“The number of athletes has increased this year, which is a good thing for us,” said Mahachi.
“Last time we came eighth in Zambia and, maybe, it was because we were around 43 participants from Zimbabwe but now the number is 224 which gives us a good chance of winning more medals.
“The Government has been helpful but as women we still need more help, we do not have toiletries. We are hoping that the corporate world will come and assist us so that the Games can be a success.”
Team Zimbabwe manager/coach for tennis, Linsent Chitiyo, said they have a good chance of scooping more medals.
The four-member tennis team features three foreign-based players and one who is based in Zimbabwe.
Taremeredzwa Mariga and Ronzai Saurombe are based in the United States and will be joined in the tennis team by South Africa-based Valeria Bhunu who is currently taking part in a tournament in Turkey.
Rufaro Chirewo is the only home-based player in the tennis team.
“For us to have foreign-based players in the team is actually an advantage looking at the competence level within the Region,” said Chitiyo.
“The tennis players have been doing very well.
“In the singles, we should finish in the top three.”
Team Zimbabwe
Athletics
Men: Musazwi Anesu, Mutsetse Nyasha Keith, Fusire Leon Tadiwanashe, Songore Michael,Takakinyu Moses, Nyakuwengana Edwin, Gorejena Moment, Katuka Prince Ngaatendwe, Tshuma Bhekisisa, Dhlodhlo Philemon Mthokozisi, Khumalo Andile, Mada Brian, Nyathi Titus, Musarurwa Tatenda Rector, Hlanguyo Shingirai, Tawanda Tembo, Lusinga Pride Anesu, Ndebele Bumnene Nicanor, Sithole Ronaldhino, King Gary Richard, Zimuto Tendai, Matorwa Charles, Ncube Abraham, Manza Gude, Shava Gethrie.
Women: Chikanga Bertha, Shavi Olivia Chido, Ncube Enitha, Mahachi Tsitsi Carol, Dzinotyiwei Chido Fungai, Geza Buhle Tangu, Mhandu Caroline, Mudyiravanji Maryjoy, Mzinde Ruvarashe, Vanhuvaone Yvonne, Malinga Handeka Dawn, Ndlovu Nomagugu, Mafuta Rutendo, Tapfumaneyi Kellyrose Nyasha, Mtisi Mazvita, Bungu Anna, Chamboko Convenience, Kapfudzuruwa Nomatter, Mtisi Sheron Silivia, Guruve Patience,Tembo Antoneta, Majoni Vimbiso, Chetsanga Tapiwa, Mandibaya Hillary, Nkomo Wayne.
Athletics visually impaired
Men: Hove Aldrin Cyril, Nleya Pray Mbongeni, Mutukura Tafadzwa, Chimanikire Ashton, Ncube Brighton, Gwenzi Ojebianze, Gumede Shepherd, Mhone Fidelity, Tagwireyi Blessing, Lovemore Chifombo, Ncube Siphosenkosi, Mbedzi Simelenkosi, Gwenzi Ojebia, Tapiwa Bhasera, Lucky Chitimbe, Last Chitanda Gude.
Women: Chimanikire Beatrice, Mubvumba Rutendo Ivy, Shoko Libetra Lovemore, Gudekude Beaulah, Mutandadzi Moreblessing, Moyo Shylet, Mungate Chipo, Nechibvuri Sylvia Ellah, Nyamufukudza Dorcas, Sithole Uana, Faustina Madziva, Esther Mamvura, Nosta Decide Mkwara, Alfra Chiwanza Gude, Kwazinkosi Nkomo.
Basketball
Men: Wilson Charles, Kurangwa Hilton, Nyaude Brian Takudzwa, Takura Larry King Mukuru, Chikore Lance Tinotenda, Nyamuchengwa Kudakwashe, Penduka Noah, Chirara Tinotenda, Chimboera Gabriel, Gannon Gundani, Victor Bingura, Brian Mhuriyengwa.
Women: Majonga Mellisa, Mukamba Lenny, Nyauchi Christelle Rutendo, Ngandini Stabile Rutendo, Chawayipira Mary, Sekete Franscisca Tanyaradzwa, Chiromo Mutsamechelle, Kuwodza Itai, Muleya Brandida, Sibanda Isabel, Katsetse Nyasha, Cynthia Mambo.
Boxing
Ncube Ndodana, Mutsvairo I Nelson, Rumbidzo Herbert Marembo, Chingono Perkins, Lancilot Moyo, Ncube Dignity, Kutsaruware Emmanuel, Mhuruyengwe Spencer, Nkomozabo Trade Temba, Ncube Andile, Masiyambumbi Samson.
Football
Men: Shangiwa Kelvin, Ndlovu Tatenda, Ngwerume Spencer, Ncube Bukhosi, Ndlovu Mbongeni, Munzira James, Malunga Justice, Doroh Kupakwashe, Rukunda Fadzai, Tavengwa Tatenda, Khumalo Denzel, Kwinjo Malvin, Mataruse Harley, Sadikissa Chivandire Anelkat, Munsaka Ishmael, Sibanda Bukhosi, Kudyaridzire Thomas, Mthunzi Thembalethu, Lunga Lesue.
Women: Chirandu Mavis, Mapanhure Lydia, Ndhlovu Sukoluhle, Mharadzi Vimbai Rhoda, Banda Mitchell, Mupeti Priviledge, Nomazulu Tshuma, Vellah Nonhlanhla, Khumalo Colleta, Gumbo Happiness, Muchekenya Felistas, Marowa Mercy, Bhande Greater, Mageza Gracious, Mutseneki Rewesai, Mapaya Luncie, Nyakuzviranga Shylet, Chinyerere Ethel, Mahada Poute, Muhara Chipo.
Judo
Men: Pavari Tapiwa, Sipapate Gabriel Junior,Tsvande George Tanaka, Mashayi Benjamin, Chikomo Takudzwa, Mukuna Nigel, Ganje Allen, Mubayiwa Rodrick.
Women: Dingani Nonikosi, Makuwe Melissa, Leanne Tarya, Ranganayi Ropafadzo, Matsvayi Ruvarashe, Chikaka Prudence, Dube Chelsea, Mangoni Sheron.
Netball
Ncube Junior, Chitiva Sthembile, Kwangwa Felistus, Bwanali Sharon Tanyaradzwa, Ncube Sanele Sicinile, Mukwadi Mercy Felistus, Chiwenga Chido Confidence, Kakono Nyasha, Mbimba Tasuma, Makhalima Nomagugu, Chigora Monalisa, Mauladi Patricia.
Swimming
Men: Davis Liam, Onorati Chase Lorenzo, Ngwenya Lebogang, Netsha Mmelwa, Tink Ashby John, Steyl Dylan Russell, Stener Kurt, Wetzlar Peter Charles, White Alistar, Lawson James, Prine Stuart, Joseph Gabriel Arthur, Horsley Colin David, Idensohn Chad, Burnett Aiden, Jones Keegan Duncan, Burnett lan, Chang Brandon Lee, Cypriano Andresious, Cyprianos Brendon.
Women: Hencil Sydney, Graham Kaleigh, Hoskins Davies Siobhan, Johnston Emily Patricia, Brown Roxanne Leigh, Dingiswayo Cerise Nontsikelelo, Lee Robin Stacie, Doorman Lorna Kathleen, Maberly Katrina, Mutseriwa Gamuchirai Shantel, Mutangadura Ratidzo Michelle, Maruta Rutendo Munashe, Van Den Bergh Wanda, Simon Kristy, Stephens Laurie Jess, Pecocke Rebecca Orammarie.
Tennis
Men: Saurombe Ronzai, Mariga Taremeredzwa
Women: Bhunu Valeria, Rufaro Chirewo
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