Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE will be hoping for another strong showing when they compete at the Africa Aquatics Zone IV Swimming Championships in Botswana this week.
The regional competition will run from Wednesday to Saturday at the University of Botswana Pool in Gaborone.
Zimbabwe Swimming has named a 42-member team for the championships, where the country will seek to improve on last year’s third-place finish.
Coach Leigh-Anne Young is confident in the work put in by the swimmers during the winter season.
“We are really looking for some personal bests,” Young said.
“I think we have some tough competition from countries such as South Africa and Namibia. Last year, we came third, so we are hoping to improve on that.
“We have done a lot of preparation and had a long, hard winter season in preparation for the Zone IV Africa Championships.
“I definitely think we have a much stronger team this year. We have a chance of getting a lot of personal bests and, hopefully, some medals. I hope we can make Zimbabwe proud.”
The team includes Jude Moss, who produced an outstanding performance at last year’s championships in Eswatini, Neema Bhulabhai and Eliecia Chivandire.
Youth Olympic Games-bound swimmers Alexis Johnsen, Daniella Viki and Connor Grist are also part of the squad.
The team received a boost after EcoCash provided its kit.
EcoCash chief commercial officer Shepherd Hondoyemoto said the company’s support went beyond placing its logo on the team’s kit.
“As EcoCash, we believe in young people,” Hondoyemoto said.
“It is about standing behind Zimbabwean talent, especially when it comes to swimming and elite sport.
“We are investing in swimming. We believe there is extraordinary talent in Zimbabwe and that our young people deserve the chance to compete, grow and dream bigger.”
Hondoyemoto urged the swimmers to compete courageously in Botswana.
“You cannot control what you see in the pool. You cannot control the results before the race begins.
“But you can control your preparation, which you have done so well. Kudos to you.”
Zimbabwe Swimming held simultaneous send-off ceremonies in Harare and Bulawayo on Friday evening, with some members of the team leaving for Botswana yesterday.
The association’s sponsorship, marketing and public relations convener, Tendai Mazike, thanked EcoCash for its support.
“The partnership between Zimbabwe Swimming and EcoCash signifies the company’s commitment to providing financial support for key national events, thereby reducing the burden on swimmers and allowing more talented young athletes to participate,” Mazike said. “The generous sponsorship and presentation of the official team kit go beyond material support. EcoCash has clothed our athletes in pride and national identity.
“Investing in young sporting talent is an investment in the nation’s future, and Zimbabwe Swimming deeply values this partnership.”
The Zone IV Championships are one of the major events on the regional swimming calendar and bring together leading talent from Southern Africa.
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, Connor 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 and Stephanie Kadzirange.
Team management
Shereen Lemon, Earl Joseph, Leigh-Anne Young and Michael Roper.
