ZIMBABWE yesterday unveiled a lean provisional squad of 87 athletes for All-African Games to be held in Congo-Brazzaville from September 4-19 with the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) standing by their earlier promise that they would prioritise quality athletes instead of high numbers.
BY DANIEL NHAKANISO
The Young Warriors will make an appearance after defeating Cameroon in the final qualifier while the rugby sevens teams will also be represented.
The fairly strong squad is spread over 11 codes, and these include athletics, cycling, beach volleyball, football, gymnastics, judo, karate, rugby, swimming, taekwondo and tennis.
More athletes are expected to qualify in sports for the disabled, athletics and swimming while the indoor volleyball teams failed to secure automatic qualification for the Games from the regional qualifiers in Botswana early this week.
In terms of numbers the team which will represent the country will be smaller team than the one which took part at the last All-Africa Games in Mozambique where Zimbabwe finished a disappointing 11th on the medal standings.
Zimbabwe chef de mission Joseph Muchechetere who announced the local contingent together with the deputy chef de mission (technical) Kathy Lobb said they had prioritised sending high quality athletes instead of large numbers.
“We decided to announce the provisional team now so that we are able to know the size of the team and come up with the appropriate budget. It has not been an easy exercise because there are many disciplines on offer but we can’t send everyone. We want to send quality to these Games,” said Muchechetere, who is also the SRC director for sports development.
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Team Zimbabwe All-African Games 2015
Athletics: Francis Zimwara, Keegan Cooke, Brian Mada, Ngonidzashe Makusha, Gabriel Mvumvure, Tendai Zimuto, Olivia Chitate, Maryjoy Mudyiravanji, Nomagugu Ndlovu, Caroline Mhandu
Officials: Team manager Titus Madzingo, Coach: Lisimati Pakamile
Basketball (Men) Athletes: Taurai Chitsinde, Tawanda Chitsinde, Neville Chivhanganye, Everisto Pasipamire, Duncan Shenje, Tatenda Matarure, Simbarashe Mugomezi, Brian Hore, Stenard Mapurisa, Billy Melusi, Vitalis Chikoko
Officials: Coach: Elery Pinkerton, Manager Shinga Magede
Beach Volleyball (Men) Athletes: Nyashadzashe Takawira, Douglas Choto, Simbarashe Chidzwa, Keith Machakaire, Kudzanai Chironga
Officials: Coach: Vengai Nyaude
Beach Volleyball (Women) Athletes: Media Mafuta, Tsugirirai Taderera, Viola Muchaona, Progress Gasa, Vuyiswa Dhlomo
Head coach: Kudzai Muzondo
Cycling Athletes: Skye Davidson, Helen Mitchell
Officials: Linda Davidson (Manager/Coach, Anthony Greenway (Mechanic)
Football – U23 (Men) Athletes: Tatenda Makuruva, Wisdom Mutasa, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Blessing Moyo, Liberty Chakoroma, Teenage Lingani Habede, Gerald Takwara, Praise Tonha, Richard Mpelele, Malvin Gaki, Carlson Rusere, Munyaradzi Diro, Tafadzwa Katinyu, Lawrence Mhlanga, Philani Kadewere, Admire Dzumbunu, Terence Gonzo, Takabva Mawaya, Walter Musona, Donovan Bernard
Officials: Head Coach: Kalisto Pasuwa, Assistant Coach: (Pending), Team manager (Pending)
Gymnastics Athletes: Kudzaishe Nyazvingo, Priviledge Sande
Officials: Coach/Manager – Christopher Muchatuta
Judo Athletes: Lazarus Arufandika, Sydney Chibwayi
Officials: Manager/Coach – Smart Tiyazimba
Karate Officials: Manager/Coach – Paul Danisa
Athletes: Innocent Gaini, Winston Nyanhete, Gerald Muusha, Unesu Hlahla
Rugby Sevens (Men) Athletes: Fortunate Chipendu, Boyd Rouse, Shayne Makombe, Kilvan Magunje, Hilton Mudariki, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Njabulo Ndlovu, Riaan O’Neill, Kuda Chiwanza, Biselele Tshamala, Jacques Leitao
Officials: Coach – Daniel Hondo, Manager – Steven McDonald
Swimming Athletes: Kirsty Coventry, Lee Robyn, Chad Idensohn, Sean Gunn, James Lawson, Peter Wetzlar
Coach: Gareth Desmond
Taekwondo Athlete: Ndaona Kembo
Manager/Coach: Philip Rufasha
Athletes: Takanyi Garanganga, Benjamin Lock, Mark Fynn, Valeria Bhunu, Rufaro Chirewa, Pauline Chawafambira
Tennis Manager: Linset Chitiyo, Coach: Martin Dzuwa
Sport for the Disabled – Team will be chosen later.