Swimming team off to Zone IV Championship
Malawi swimming team yesterday left for African Swimming Confederation Zone IV Championship in Botswana slated for February 20 to 23.
The delegation comprises 11 swimmers, but Malawi will be represented by 14 with foreign-based Ammara Pinto, Tracy Chizonda and Filipe Gomes expected to join the team in Botswana.
Speaking before departure at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA), team manager Beatrice Makwenda said the swimmers were selected through last year’s national championship held in Blantyre.
“After the team was selected they went into camp in Mangochi last year and continued to prepare in their schools. Last week we also organised another camp just to do the final touches,” she said.
Makwenda expressed optimism that some of the swimmers will win medals at the tournament, whose other participants are coming from Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Freestyle and backstroke swimmer Chisomo Haiya said she was excited to be part of the team.
“I am looking forward to the event considering that it is my first time to take part. I am hopeful that I will win a medal,” the 12-year old said.
On his part, multi-medal winner Mohammed Ali said he would be focused on improving his finishing time.
“I have been preparing for the competition in South Africa where I was exposed to modern training methods and facilities. It is my expectation that I will improve my personal record,” he said.
Other members of the squad are Olivia Losacco, Tujaliwe Mkavea, Ethan Prieur, Jeremiah Makwenda, Jessica Makwenda, Asher Banda and Tayamika Chang’anamuno, Tsinde Kumbatira and Tasunje Mkavea.
