Kenyans gear up for CANA Zone Three gala at Kasarani

Scott Kithiki at Kasarani Aquatic Stadium during the National Swimming selection for international assignments. April 14, 2019. [The Standard Group]

Hosts, Kenya is ready for the 2019 CANA Zone Three swimming championships that begin tomorrow at Kasarani.

The Kenyan boys and girls will be up against swimmers from across the region.

Team Kenya coach Matthew Cross said the 36 swimmers, 17 boys, and 19 girls are gearing up for the four-day championship.

“The swimmers are very excited and looking forward to competing for medals. We have trained well and we are currently having two sessions a day to ensure our final touches are properly done,” cross said.

Cross added that other than winning medals, his aim is for the swimmers to enjoy the experience of representing the country internationally.

“We are aiming at improving on our medal count from the previous championship but above all, we want to see young swimmers enjoying the experience of competing against their peers from other countries.”

He noted that the competition is meant to usher the upcoming swimmers into high profile international championships.

“The Zonal championships are a stepping stone to the Olympics as well as the Commonwealth Games. In this competition, our youngest swimmer is 11, while the oldest is 20, which means they all have the potential to excel and become world winners.”

He added that there were many activities lined up at the camp to help the swimmers stay fit.

“We have several activities lined up for the swimmers throughout the day just to make them relax as they get ready for the four-day of competition. Being school-going children, we have also set aside time for them to do their classwork as most of them.”

Kenya will be up against Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Eritrea, Djibouti, Malawi Zambia, Sudan and South Africa.

South Africa, who are part of Zone Four, will compete in the open water competition to be staged on Sunday at The Waterfront, Karen.

Upcoming swimmer Ashley Kagwima, Elizabeth Mayende, and Rebecca Nanjala are some of the girls who will be looking to excel.

Kagwima, who turned 12 years in May, is one of the youngest swimmers in the competition.

Tabuka Bifwoli, who has competed in international age group championships, will be out to shine in boys’ contest.  

Kenya will face stiff competition from Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi who have gradually improved their swimming standards over the years.

With South Africa who won the last championship held in Sudan opting to feature in the open water events, only Kenya will be looking to bag the overall title.

In Sudan, Kenya finished second behind the South Africans.