South Africa-based Neo Olengo /HANDOUTKenya is banking on the foreign-based swimmers to post impressive results in the Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Championship, starting tomorrow at Moi Stadium, Kasarani Aquatic Centre.
South Africa-based Neo Olengo, Nathan Matimu, Duini Caffiini, and Ariana Barcha have been included in the Kenya team, and they are expected to give the country an edge.
According to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) chairman, Heize Kahindo, Kenya fielded an understrength team at last year's championship in Burundi, finishing third behind eventual winners Uganda and Tanzania. Kahindo said that with the entry of the country's best swimmers, they expect the tide to change with a much better performance.
“The swimmers are in good spirits and have been training with their respective coaches as well as taking part in build-up events. I expect our swimmers to dominate and do well in the three-day event,” added Kahindo.
Team Kenya is fielding its biggest ever representation at a swimming event, with a record of 153 swimmers— 70 in Team A and 53 in Team B. "We have taken this big number to give the swimmers a chance to do well, and we have representation in every event to give us a good chance of winning medals.”
Team Kenya will be up against defending champions Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Eritrea, Somalia, Benin, Nigeria, Sudan, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
Team A coach Abdulmalik Abdulmalik said Uganda and Tanzania will prove the country's biggest competitors, especially with the absence of South Africa and the North African nations.
“It's going to be quite competitive. The various countries have had solid preparations, and our swimmers are also ready for the event. We are relishing the battle for the event,” added Abdulmalik.
Kenya Aquatics (KA) Liaison Officer George Munene confirmed that the Aquatic facility at Kasarani is fully prepared for the championship.
Munene affirmed that the federation, in partnership with the Sports Stadia management, has completed all necessary preparations to ensure the facility meets international standards.
“ We have worked closely with Sports Stadia to guarantee the venue's readiness. The pools have been thoroughly cleaned and water quality tests have been successfully conducted,” said Munene.
On October 11, Kenya said it will be represented by 73 swimmers in the Masters category at the 10th Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Championships.
The Masters category, open to swimmers aged 25 and above, will highlight the resilience and spirit of seasoned athletes.
Among the swimmers is Esther Kariuki, who, at 74, is a living testament that age is no barrier to the pool.
Other swimmers expected to represent Kenya include those over 50 years old, such as Sally Ndiri, Wanja Michuki, Anthony Ng'eno, Carol Mbutura, and Isaac Litaba.
