The Zimbabwe Aquatic Union will send a 21-member development team for next week’s African Swimming Confederation (CANA) Zone III & VI Swimming Championships in Maputo, Mozambique.
The swimming championships will take place at the Zimpeto Olympic Pool in Maputo from Wednesday to Saturday.
Some of the countries expected to grace the regional developmental gala include South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, Burundi, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Djibouti, Comoros, Rwanda, Madagascar, Mauritius, Congo, Sudan, India, Somalia and Seychelles.
Nicholas Burnett is the most experienced swimmer in the team having represented the country in high profile events such as the All Africa Games and African Championships on several occasions.
Other promising prospects include brothers Andresious and Brendon Cyprianos and Sarah Hawgood who recently took part at the Level III Gala in South Africa.
Zimbabwe will be hoping for a better performance in Mozambique after finishing a disappointing fifth at last year’s event in Botswana with a total of 45 medals, nine gold, 22 silver and 14 bronze medals.
ZAU secretary-general Mary Kloppers said the country would have been sending a stronger team to Mozambique if some swimmers had not pulled out of the team due to other commitments.
“Initially, CANA had indicated that the gala would take place on March 26 but unfortunately, the gala has been moved to April which resulted in most of our competitive swimmers pulling out.
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“Our team size has therefore been reduced by half as most families will be on holiday. Added to this that the costs are huge and as parents are paying for the tour, we are very restricted to those who can afford,” said Kloppers.
Zimbabwe Team: Nyasha Mukonoweshuro, Luke Van Breda, Yemurai Shangwa, Liam Davis, Brendon Cyprianos, Dale Bruce, Ryder Quinlan, Takudzwa Nyamutsamba, Natasha Lawson, Nicholas Burnett, Sarah Hawgood, Misty Batchelor, Andresious Cyprianos, Lorna Doorman, Kim Bellringer, Ashby Tink, Cerise Dingiswayo, Holly Brown, Natalie de Chassart, Trevor Price, Frank Lang
