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Muzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE team manager Addison Chiware has tipped athletes to do the nation proud when they take part in the African Youth Olympic Games to be held in Gaborone, Botswana. The team will depart tomorrow for the Games which start on Thursday and run until May 31.

Chiware said they have a team capable of doing better than the team which won two gold medals in the last edition.

“I believe this time, we have improved in numbers and preparations and we want to do better than the last time when we won only two gold medals. I call on all travelling athletes to be at their best and do the country proud,” said Chiware.

The youth team will compete in swimming, athletics, basketball (girls), golf, judo, karate, netball, rowing, rugby (boys), tennis and triathlon.

Zimbabwe will be sending 61 athletes and 22 officials.

Chiware said the main aim of the Games was to bring together youths from across the continent to interact and share ideas. The Games will also give African countries an opportunity to prepare for the Summer  Youth Olympics scheduled for China in August.

“We are happy that ZOC is giving us the opportunity to expose young talent,” he said.

Chiwara said 46 athletes will leave first while the next batch would follow as their Games start   later.

Among the travelling entourage is Yvonne Vanhuvaone who will compete in the 400m, triple jumper Nomagugu Ndlovu and Niama Dube who will represent the country in the 100 and 200m sprints. Enlitha Ncube is among the favourites to scoop gold in the 1,500m and she would use the competition to prepare for the World Junior Championships in the US next month.

Team

Aquatics: Brown Roxanne, Idensohn Chad, Lawson Natasha, Lee Robyn, Mutangadura Ratidzo, Onorati Aidan, Onorati Chase, Wetzlar Peter Officials: Crause Sheelah, Takaedza Masi.

Athletics: Chetsanga Tapiwa, Chitsato Robin, Niama Dube, Gambe Tinashe, Mudyiravanji Mary Joy, Munyawarara Tafadzwa, Ncube Enlitha, Ndlovu Nomagugu, Nyati Titus, Tapera Samuel, Tembo Tawanda, Vanhuvaone Yvonne, Officials: Nhubu Briad, Tarakino Precious

Golf: Krog Stuart Official: Murungweni Shorai Judo: Muparo Blessing Official: Mashayi Simba Karate: Banda Elizabeth, Mandengenda Naomi, Ntini Innocent Officials: Bunu Victor, Nyanhete Winston Rowing: Freeman Dexter, Mandibaya Hillary Official: Cunha Mario

Tennis: Dzenga Nicole, Lock Courtney Official: Nyamunokora Freeman.

Triathlon: Benade Gideon, Davidson Skye, Rendell Serena, Williams Drew, Official: Davidson Wayne Rugby: Gambiza Charles, Katsvere Shingirai, Makoni Jeff, Matoramusha Tatenda, Mazambani Munyaradzi ,Moses Tristan, Mudzengerere Ernest, Ndoro Kudakwashe, Pritchard Connor, Snater Shane, Theofilatos Adam , Ushewokunze Matthew, Officials: Hondo Daniel, Made Sifiso

Netball: Bwanali Sharon, Chiwenga Chido, Dani Haji Salma, Makhalima Nomagugu, Marara Melissa, Mawira Takudzwa, Mpanduki Fiona, Muhwira Ropafadzo, Mukwadi Mercy, Mutambu Lisa, Muzanenamo Michelle, Tanhira Lynette Officials: Chipandu Letitia, Mutsauki Ropafadzo.