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Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
THE Matabeleland Swimming Senior team coach Alan Bruce is confident his side will excel at the National Senior Swimming Championships which start today at Les Brown Pool in Harare.

The competition will end on Sunday.

Fifty-two swimmers, 24 girls and 28 boys will represent Matabeleland at the meet.

Bruce has named 18-year-old Courtney McAllister and Netsha Mmelwa (19) as the girls’ and boys’ respective captains.

Bruce believes they have the best squad to sweep medals on offer.

“We have put together the best team and I have no doubt that we will gather a number of medals. The team was selected according to their performances in the previous competitions after meeting qualification times.

“The team has been training very hard and I am sure this year we will be able to come first. The swimmers are all going for good times so that they qualify for the South Africa galas and probably make it into the Zimbabwean team that will compete at a CANA tournament to be held in Bulawayo next month,” Bruce said.

In preparation for the national championships, Bulawayo swimmers have been training in their respective clubs and held their final training session North End Swimming Pool last night.

Matabeleland who came second behind Mashonaland at the 2015 and 2016 national finals will be hoping for an improved outing at Les Brown Pool.

Matabeleland team

Arianna Androuliakos, Wandile Banda, Erin Brent, Munashe Bera, Lindi Bhebhe, Sancia Bravo, Dale Bruce, Danika Bruce, Jade Chiksen, Shannon Cooke, Ty Cooke, Caitlin Cummings, Brendon Cyprianos, Denilson Cyprianos, Jayden De Swardt, Ethan Donaldson, Savannah Du Preez, Roan Isemonger, Brett Jones, Dean Jones, Lavarn Jones, Romeo Kahwema, Neziah Kinnaird, Koen Maryke, Dylan Lee, Jaryd Lezar, Aisha Mahomed, Farhaan May, Courtney McAllister, Jessica McAllister, Mukundi Melusi, Andile Mhlophe, Tait Mills, Siduduzile Mswabuki, Vuyani Ncube, Mmelwa Netsha, Takudzwa Nyamutsamba, Nontuthuzelo Nyathi, Liam O’Hara, Ngosika Onovo, Onye Onovo, Jake Oostindien, Riana Rollo, Timea Schultz, Codie Selma, Ben SheasbyTrei Simon, Jordan Smith, Norah Tagwireyi, Quinton Tayali, Keanu Vanbiljon, Cory Werrett. —

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