Zim gears up for the African Games

TEAM Zimbabwe is confident of excelling at the African Games after selecting a large contingent comprising 128 athletes and officials to fly the country’s flag at the continental competition set for Ghana next month.

The 13th edition of the African Games will run from March 8-23 in Accra.

There has been a marked increase in the number of the travelling group compared to the previous edition in Morocco back in 2019 when 95 athletes and officials made the trip.

Of the 128, 83 of them are athletes, while 23 are technical officials and the rest being part of the country's delegation that make up Team Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe will be represented in rugby, cricket, karate, tennis, judo, athletics, triathlon, swimming and chess.

“This is a momentous occasion for Zimbabwean sport. We are confident that our athletes will put their best foot forward. The athletes’ competitive spirit, sportsmanship and commitment to sporting excellence will undoubtedly serve as the driving force, as they proudly carry their national flag. The participating teams have been working hard in preparations for the games and are ready to set new records and leave a mark,” Sports and Recreation Commission director-general Eltah Nengomasha, who is Team Zimbabwe Chef de Mission said in a statement.

In Morocco, Team Zimbabwe had a forgettable event where they only managed one silver medal and three bronze medals, with the country finishing in 31st place on the medal table.

The team which is travelling to Accra will be unveiled just before the team leaves for Ghana early next month.

While athletes will bid to win the medals in Ghana next month, the African games will also give some an opportunity to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games which are scheduled for later this year.

Nengomasha revealed that selection into the team was guided by the athletes’ chances of making it to the Olympic Games, among other reasons.

“Team Zimbabwe’s strategy for team selection and participation is anchored mainly on individual or team performance. The potential to achieve a podium performance, qualify for the Olympics, improve raking were primary considerations as well as availing developmental platforms for teams.

“In coming up with the team, the technical committee, in July 2023, engaged national sport associations to deliberate on athlete, official, team proposals and through these engagements, provisional team entries agreed on before the finals team selection and verification exercise was carried out.

“We are to stand alongside our fellow African nations in this celebration of athletic excellence. The Ghana African Games are a beacon of unity and shared passion, and we are ready to contribute to the vibrant spirit of the competition,” she said.

Team Zimbabwe held a Press conference in Harare yesterday where they outlined the team’s preparedness as well as the new kits.

The Games, formerly known as the All Africa Games or Pan African games are held every four years and Zimbabwe were hosts in 1995.*