13 Dec 2016

The Darrell Morton’s School of Swimmers (DMSS) Goters made an astounding medal haul to win the 4th swimming league gala at the University of Botswana (UB) over the weekend.

DMSS amassed more than 165 gold medals in different age categories in freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly competitions.

They went on to collect a total of 11 100.5 points and finished a massive 7 822.5 points ahead of second-placed Gaborone Aquatic Club.  Their swimmers, Shamiso Matonhodze and Andile Bekker were crowned overall best swimmers in the female and male categories respectively.

DMSS further dominated age category awards in the female section through Chanika Whitson (under-nine), Marriam Kiragu (under-10), Matonhodze (under-11), Tselane Matthews (under-12), Summer Thompson (under-13, Leone van Rooyen (under-14), Dante Duke (under-16) and Caroux De Lange in women’s 17-24 years category. In the male section, the Gaborone club secured age category awards through Nathan Seetso (under-nine), Neels Swanepoel (under-11), Andile Bekker (under-13), Abdul Muinudeen (under-14), James Freeman (under-15) and Otsile Rantshabeng (under-16).

The only age category awards that eluded them were male under-10 which went to Tumo Matija of Gaborone Aquatic Club, male under-12 which went to Rai Tejzoravar of Kubu Swimming Club, male 17-24 years which was won by Maemo Sebikiri of Propeller Swimming Club, female over 25 years which was won by Tshenolo Mudala of BDF Dolphins, and male over 25 years which was won by Lawrence Gachala of BDF Dolphins.

DMSS head-coach, Allison Le Grange said she was impressed by her team’s performance, explaining that the victory was a result of hardwork and dedication by her swimmers. She said their success was also based on teamwork between the coaches, parents and swimmers.

Gaborone Aquatic Club finished in second position with a total of 3 278 points, having won more than 40 gold medals. Kubu Swimming Club came third with a total of 2 701 points while BDF Dolphins were fourth with 1 792 points.

Other teams that competed at the event were Phoenix Swimming Club, The Learning Centre, Propellers Swimming Club, University of Botswana, Swimrite, Super-Fit, Orapa Swimming Club and Phikwe Piranhas. ENDS