19 Feb 2020

The CANA IV Championships 2020 starts February 20 at the University of Botswana Pool.

At least 13 countries with 320 athletes, coaches, and team officials have converged in Gaborone to take part in the swimming gala.

Countries that will compete are Botswana, Angola, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, eSwatini, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Some Team Botswana swimmers know that all eyes will be on them to hoist the country’s flag high in their own waters.

BOPA managed to talk to a few swimmers to get a feel of how prepared they are for the competition

James Freeman

(Boys 17-24 category)

“Honestly I know all eyes are on me, but I am not under pressure; then again you need a certain amount of pressure to perform well, but I perform well when I am under a bit of pressure. I am excited and I can’t wait to make it to the competition pool. All in all, I have been preparing very well, and it is an Olympic year, so training has been hard. I am here to compete and I want medals for Botswana. I want to win, especially in front of my home crowd.”

Andile Bekker 

(Boys 15-16 category)

“Pressure has started to sip in a little bit; we had the psych sheets last week Monday and have seen my ranking and it is pretty high. Obviously that puts a lot of pressure on me, but I want to fight for my country. I want to win the medals for my country, and I think overall I am good, because mentally I am feeling strong, so I am waiting for the water.”

Junior Keitsile 

(Boys 12 and U category)

“The competition is going to be very tough, but with all the hard work and pushing too hard, I see myself making it to the podium. Well it is every athlete’s wish to win a medal for his/her country and currently I am not under pressure, I believe in myself.”

Maxine Egner 

(Girls 15-16 category)

“I am seeded with good swimmers, therefore pressure will always be there, particularly when you are competing in your home ground, but I feel like if I push very hard like I am going to do well. I will come up with good results. Make no mistake, I have been training very hard for the competition. My aim is also to clock good Personal Best time.”

Tselane Matthews 

(Girls 15-16 category)

“I think we are under pressure, but it is good for us, because that alone will push us. I am prepared as I have been training every day. Well, there are good swimmers from countries such as Zimbabwe and South Africa, but I am in this Gala to compete.”

Mutinda Muti 

(Girls  13-14 category)

“I am aiming at around 3-4 medals, I have prepared very well, going to the gym. I have been preparing physically for my 200 metres, so let the games begin. Every athlete would want to win a medal in front of their supporters, so I am home, I have to utilise the advantage to the fullest.” ENDS