Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
SWIMMING coach Masi Takaedza says the Africa Aquatics Zone IV Swimming Championships, due to take place in September is more than just a medal opportunity.
The meet will be held in Manzini, Eswatini, from September 3 to 7.
Takaedza will be in charge of the team made up of emerging and experienced swimmers.
“Africa Aquatics Zone IV is more than just a medal opportunity. It’s a crucial stepping stone for our swimmers. It gives them a taste of international-level racing, where they can benchmark themselves against athletes from across the region,” said Takaedza.
“For many, this is their first experience racing under national colours, and it builds confidence, character, and motivation.
“It also helps us as coaches gauge who can take the next step toward continental or even global competitions.”
The championships attract swimmers from Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Eswatini, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe will be banking their hopes on the likes of Alexis Johnsen, Loyiso Mahobele, Sibusiso Fayayo, Tafadzwa Chandiwana, Farai Matabeya, Ashley Berejena and Joshah Siwela, who have been to the regional competition before.
“It’s a balanced team. We have a mix of emerging talent and more experienced swimmers.
“There’s a lot of potential, and this is an opportunity to compete and improve. These are athletes who have shown consistency throughout the local season and have earned this honour.
“The preparation phase is now about getting into the water and training as much as possible. We however, have limited heated pools, which makes it difficult to train in winter.
“We hope all selected athletes will have access to training over and above their winter school commitments,” said Takaedza.
Takaedza is confident of the team, with some of the selected swimmers managing to improve their times during the 2024-2025 season.
“We have seen some excellent swims this past season. A few of the selected athletes have consistently dropped time and risen to the occasion under pressure.
“So naturally, we have high expectations not just for podium finishes, but for personal bests, national records, and overall growth.
“That said, each swimmer will have their own targets, and our goal is to support them to meet or exceed those.
“The team has earned this chance, and we are committed to making the most of it.”
It’s a busy period for Zimbabwe Swimming as they prepare for various tours.
Some of the swimmers will compete at the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games in Namibia, from July 4 to 13.
They also have the World Aquatics Championships from July 11 to August 3 in Singapore and the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships from August 19 to 24.
Africa Aquatics Zone IV Team
Females: Ruth Nhimura, Michelle Nkolomi, Shae Green, Marang Ndlovu, Monalisa Sibanda, Tamiranashe Maboreke, Daniella Viki, Tassia Kaschula, Farai Matabeya Eliecia Chivandire, Alexis Johnsen, Imlah Nyamhunga, Amelie Mtongwiza, Ruvarashe Choto, Adriana Bhana, Tafadzwa Chandiwana, Tanatswa Chandiwana, Loyiso Mahobele.
Males: Vincent Nyamapfene, Jude Moss, Nkonzo Mkwananzi, Wade Cameroon, Gabriel Munengwa, Bohan Guo, Sibusiso Fayayo, John Goddard, Tendekayi Maboreke, Connor Grist, Joshah Siwela, Shingai Shumba, Teak Watson, Adrian Chidzvete, Liam Chickson, Ashley Berejena.
Head Coach: Masi Takaedza
Coach: Leigh Anne Young
Senior Manager: Sothini Ngwenya
Manager: Mike Roper.
