02 Sep 2025

The Botswana national swimming team is in eSwatini to compete at the Africa Aquatics Zone IV Championships.

The team left on September 1 for the competition which starts on September 3 and is expected to end on September 7. Sending the team off on September 1, Botswana Swimming Sport Association president, Kgaotsang Matthews said this year’s competition was expected to be more challenging than ever, having shifted from development to a high stakes international-level event.

“The fact that you once won medals is actually a sign that you are good in your own right, therefore go there, enjoy and compete,” Matthews said.

Matthews said looking at the already published swimming site sheet, she was happy that Botswana swimmers were seeded well.  “If you keep up with what you do all the time, and when you get into the water, do what you do, we know what we are made of,” she said. 

She added that the youthful and experienced squad carried the hopes of the nation, with four swimmers making their international debuts. “They have proven themselves locally and so it is their time to shine internationally,” she said.

Sports psychologist, Dr Kagiso Tlhabano-David encouraged the team to focus on managing pre-competition anxiety to achieve peak performance. “Sometimes you will worry more about the competitors and your weakness, it happens. We usually do not work toward getting rid of the anxiety, we just want your anxiety to be controllable,” Dr Tlhabano-David said.  

The girls’ team comprises Yun-suh Chang, Jade Chilisa, Amaru Ditlhogo, Matipaishe Gondo, Kimberly Ingwe, Maeva Morebodi, Melodi Saleshando and Lame Thomba.

The boys include Leruo Bakwena, Jerone Chilisa, Gaamangwe Keitsile, Leano-Laone Manowe, Tema Modirelabangwe, Theo Morebodi, Mmoloki Raymond and Khalil Sethi. ENDS