Kenya to field record 153 swimmers at Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Championships

Haniel Kudwoli/FILE

Team Kenya will be represented by a record 153 swimmers for the Africa Aquatics Zone Three junior, senior and masters championship slated for October 16-19 at Kasarani Aquatics.

This represents the biggest participation of Kenyan swimmers at the championship.

Kenya Aquatics executive committee member Heize Kahindo said this offers the country’s swimmers an opportunity to test themselves against the best on the continent.

“It shows our unwavering belief in our swimmers who have worked and trained hard for this championship,” added Kahindo

Kenya will be represented by two teams, ‘A’ and ‘B’, in the years 12 and under, 13-14, 15-16, and 17 and over.

In the girls’ category, Team A will have 36 swimmers while Team B will have 34.

In the boys’ category, Team A will have 27 swimmers while Team B will have 26.

Among the top swimmers are Haniel Kudwoli and Stephen Ndegwa, who swam at the World championships in Singapore, in July, alongside Igbal Bayusuf, Nathan Matimu, Samir Bachelani, Victor Okech, South Africa-based Neo Olengo and Karl Senanu.

In the girls’ category, Duini Caffini, Victoria Okumu, Macrine Kalombo and Hungary-based Maria Bianchi will fly the Kenyan flag.

Renowned coach Abdulmalik Abdulmalik will be at the helm of Team A, while Monica Githinji will coach Team B.

The assistant coaches include Lucas Juma of NextGen Nairobi, Jacqueline Macharia from Kiambu, Abdalla Mansoor of Bandari, Kelvin Beru from Uasin Gishu, Fiona Kinyua from Embu, Steve Biko from Kisumu, Noel Amwayi from Machakos and Boniface Anyanzwa from Laikipia.

Kahindo said swimmers are training on their own before going to camp in the first week of October, even as they await funding from the government.

“The swimmers are training with their respective coaches. They will go into camp once we secure funding from the ministry. They are in good shape and I am confident they will do the country proud,” added Kahindo.

Twelve countries have confirmed participation for the four-day swimming extravaganza. They include Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Benin, South Africa, Nigeria, Somalia, Eritrea, Sudan and host Kenya.