Supermarlins coach Gabriel Kamau has backed the Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Championships to transform Kenyan swimming.
The event, which runs from October 16-19 at the Kasarani Aquatic Centre, is expected to bring together over 700 swimmers from eight countries.
The countries that have confirmed participation include Zimbabwe, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, South Sudan and South Africa.
Several others are expected to enlist in the next few weeks. The event, Kamau said, will provide unmatched exposure for Kenya’s homegrown talent, with the country fielding two teams.
"The Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Championships gives our local swimmers a priceless chance to test themselves at an international level. It’s about learning, building confidence and showing the world what Kenyan swimming can do,” Kamau said.
He hopes to send some Supermalins in the final Team Kenya for the four-day championships.
“My swimmers are training hard for this event. I hope they will make the final team. We know it's not easy since we have quality swimmers from other clubs, including those who have represented us recently at the World Junior Championships in Romania," he said.
The championship, Kamau added, will be an indicator of where the country's swimmers are against their peers from Africa.
“I believe our swimmers will be tested accordingly," observed Kamau. This will be the first major championship in the country since the 2012 Africa Senior Championships. Kenya Aquatics secretary Collins Marigiri, observed; "As a country, we have the facilities and supporting infrastructure. The federation is keen to position Kenya as a destination for big events."
The final team will be named next month and Kamau promised that individuals will be picked on merit.
"We will look at all the data available to allow us to pick the strongest team for the championships. We want to win in front of our fans," he said.
