A team of nine Tanzanian swimmers departed the country on Thursday for Nairobi, Kenya, to compete in the Africa Aquatics (AA) Zone 3 Championship, which kicks off this weekend at the Moi International Aquatic Stadium in Kasarani.
The group, competing in the Masters category, joins the national junior team that left on Tuesday for the same event.
Both teams will represent Tanzania in the regional championship sanctioned by World Aquatics, which serves as a qualifier for next year’s World Aquatics Championships in Beijing, China.
Tanzania Swimming Association (TSA) President David Mwasyoge expressed confidence in the athletes, saying they are well-prepared to represent the nation with pride.
“The team is ready for the championships, which will feature Africa’s top junior and masters swimmers competing for medals, continental glory, and crucial World Aquatics ranking points,” said Mwasyoge.
“For many of our athletes, this is a vital step toward global competitions, and I am confident they will perform well.”he added
He added that TSA is committed to promoting gender inclusion in the sport, noting the increasing number of female swimmers and officials taking part in international competitions.
The nine-member Masters team includes Jeremiah Keema, Adam Kitururu (who also serves as head coach), Nduruma Majembe, Arafaji Haruna, Samson Makere, Musa Rajabu, Imani Alimanya, Khalid Ruhaka, and Falhan Dewji.
The junior team features over 25 swimmers, among them Amylia Chali, Filbertha Demello, Bridget Heep, Zainab Moosaje, Crissa Dillip, Leyna Borega, Pearl Carlos, Heydlee Masashi, Gracias Willybroad, Micheal Joseph, Romeo Mwaipasi, Sahal Harunani, Enrico Berreto, Christian Fernandes, and Austin Okore.
Other junior competitors include Julius Missokia, Nabil Ahmed, Luke Okore, Max Missokia, Amani Kessi, Nolan Maginga, Ariel Sykes, Kaysan Kachra, Ibrahim Igoro, William Ngwanke, Zac Okumu, Delbert Kenemo, and Nicolene Vilioen.
The technical team is led by Head Coach Kanisi Mabena, assisted by Agnes Kimimba and Thobias Mwangunga. Team Managers are Hadija Shebe and Germen Demello, while Amina Mfaume serves as Technical Director. TSA Secretary General Inviolata Itatilo and team official Jeremiah Keema are also part of the delegation.
Meanwhile, four Tanzanian swimmers will head to Mombasa on Sunday for the Kenya Open Water Swimming Championships scheduled from Monday to Wednesday next week.
The team includes junior swimmers Lorita Borega and Kabeer Ridhiwani, alongside senior participants Adil Abdulrahmaan and Rajabu Omari.
Leader of the delegation, Ramadhan Namkoveka, said the team is in high spirits and determined to secure podium finishes in Mombasa.
Speaking during the national flag handover ceremony, National Sports Council (NSC) Senior Sports Officer Charles Maguzu commended TSA for embracing gender inclusivity and nurturing young talent.
“Other sports have brought home medals it’s now time for swimming to do the same,” said Maguzu.
“We want to welcome you back at Julius Nyerere International Airport with medals. I believe you are all capable of making Tanzania proud.”
The AA Zone 3 Championships bring together swimmers from across East and Central Africa, offering them a platform to sharpen their skills and gain international exposure.