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Team Zimbabwe have had the best possible preparations and are expected to perform well in the Africa Union Sports Council Region 5 Games which runs between December 2-11 here.
Zimbabwe will field athletes in 11 sport codes including athletics, basketball, boxing, gymnastics, taekwondo, judo, swimming, netball, tennis, athletics VI and volleyball.
The team, which consists of 205 athletes, arrived here yesterday and they will have at least four days to acclimatise amid optimism they will bring several medals home.
Ten countries — South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Eswatini, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and the hosts Malawi — are expected to battle it out for honours in different sporting disciplines.
Team Zimbabwe was one the first to arrive in Malawi along with Botswana and Zambia.
Chef de Mission, Masimba Mutemaringa, who received the team at Kamuzu International Airport yesterday, said they have put the right mechanisms in place to enable the athletes to fully focus on the Games.
“I am happy the team is here now. We had to make sure, all the athletes travelled four days before the start of the games so they could get used to the weather conditions here,” said Mutemaringa.
“It’s one of the things which should always be ensured to make sure the athletes give out their maximum performance.
“It is our hope, as Zimbabweans that we will go back home with medals.
“Each and everyone in this team is capable of winning a gold medal and we hope and pray that these athletes will be equal to the task.
“The athletes have had some time working together several months ago and we also had close to two weeks’ camp in Harare before departure.
“The technical teams will have a few days to fine-tune their acts before the Games begin on Friday.
“In the past few years, we have been disturbed by the Covid-19 scourge. I am sure these youngsters are eager to showcase themselves in this jamboree.”
Mutemaringa said the AUSC Region 5 Games are critical in shaping the career path for the Under-20 athletes who are taking part.
“These Games give a platform to young sports-persons to develop their confidence and launch their professional careers.
“The Games are key and we are looking forward to bringing back home some medals.
“There will also be a culture night in which we will be able to showcase our own culture as Zimbabwe.
“There is a lot at stake. We hope the team will hoist our country’s flag high.”
Some sport codes, including basketball for both girls and boys, will be eyeing for the double.
Winners and runners-up in the hoops at this meet will qualify for the Afrobasket championships next year. Herald
