Tanzania has intensified preparations for this year's Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Championships after the Tanzania Swimming Association (TSA) named a youthful squad expected to fly the national flag at the regional competition.
The announcement marks another step in the association's long-term strategy to develop emerging talent and strengthen Tanzania's competitiveness in regional and continental swimming.
TSA Director of Education and Development Jeremiah Keema said the team had entered the final phase of its preparations, with swimmers undergoing intensive training to sharpen their technique, endurance and race readiness ahead of the championships.
"The team has prepared well and is now completing its final training programme. We are confident the swimmers will be ready to compete strongly against the best young athletes from across the region," Keema said.
The Tanzanian delegation will be led by team manager Hadija Shebe, with head coach Radhia Shaban overseeing technical preparations alongside assistant coaches Samweli Mtupo and Rashid Juma Kipipa.
The squad features swimmers across four age categories, highlighting the depth of emerging talent being developed through TSA's grassroots programmes.
In the under-12 category, the girls selected are Ruby Stanley, Iris Mataka, Camilla Kyenekiki, Ithra Kahemele and Celine Matembeo, while the boys are Arthur Mushi, Oscar Liebchen, William Ng'wandu, Konhelli Mhella and Mikhail Magushi.
The girls' 13-14 team comprises Nicolene Viljoen, Heydleen Magashi, Imani Kimario, Leyna Borega and Lorita Borega, while Ethan Makalla, Max Missokia, Ibrahim Igoro, Fidel Kavishe, Alberto Itatiro and Nabil Ahmed make up the boys' squad.
In the 15-16 age group, Crissa Dillip and Abigail Matungwa will represent Tanzania in the girls' events, with Julius Missokia, Shunel Bhawran, Kabeer Lakhan, Luke Okore and Zac Okumu competing in the boys' races.
The senior youth category (17 years and above) includes Cathleen Maokola and Filbertha Demello for the women's team, while Abbas Abdulila, Austin Okore and Michael Joseph have been selected for the men's events.
Keema said the composition of the team reflects the steady growth of competitive swimming in Tanzania and demonstrates the impact of sustained investment in youth development.
He congratulated the swimmers, coaches and team officials on their selection and urged Tanzanians to rally behind the team as it seeks to raise the country's profile at the Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Championships.
The regional competition is regarded as one of the most important development platforms for young swimmers, providing athletes with valuable international exposure and an opportunity to measure their progress against top competitors from neighbouring countries while building experience for future continental and global championships.
