The team comprises senior swimmers and five debutants at the regional competition. Speaking to SportMonitor, one of the swimmers, Gaamangwe Junior Keitsile said he started competing in the CANA competition in 2020 when it was hosted in Gaborone at the University of Botswana (UB) pool. During that edition, he scooped seven medals, four gold medals , two silver and one bronze and also set a record that still stands today in the boys 12 and under 50 meters butterfly category. “Since then I have been qualifying for this competition, bringing something home and this year I am looking forward to winning more medals and hopefully set another record. I will see how the competition goes; preparations have been good, working hard and at the same time preparing for the National Championships. This competition will also assist me to start my season on a high note,” he said. Keitsile will be swimming in the 17 and over, which is a more competitive category because it is open to all ages above 17 years. Another swimmer, Thakundanashe Gondo, who will also be swimming in the 17 and over category, said he will be attending the CANA competition for the fifth time. “I believe that I have had the best preparation because in the past CANA I had to juggle between school examinations and swimming. This time I am done with examinations. I am at my fitness than I have ever been. I am looking forward to winning my first CANA medal because the closest I have been has been position four.
This year has been good to me. I have been able to record personal bests (PBs) in all my races, I want to continue with the same trend in Namibia. I urge my teammates to go out there and enjoy their races,” Gondo said. One of the decorated swimmers, Melodi Saleshando, made her CANA debut in Zambia in 2022 winning one medal and the next competition she won five medals. Saleshando said since that competition, she has gained a lot of experience, raising the bar and she is looking forward to a good competition. “Good competition means getting into the top five and winning medals. I will be competing in the girls 15-16 years category,” Saleshando said. Meanwhile, the BSSA president, Kgaotsang Matthews appreciated the support from the parents, saying it took hard work by their children to be in the team.
She said the team has five debutants and making the CANA team is a big deal. “Each of you has demonstrated the spirit of sportsmanship and commitment to excellence. Your discipline in the team, your focus during practice and your perseverance in the face of challenges are qualities that inspire not just your teammates but all of us,” Matthews said. The team: Leruo Bakwena, Larona Matenge, Jade Chilisa, Takundanashe Gondo, Matipaishe Gondo, Jessica Seipone, Reabetswe Pabalinga, Gaamangwe Junior Keitsile, Wapego Nthomiwa, Khalil Sethi, Maeva Morebodi, Kyra Harry, Melodi Saleshando, Sally-Louis Ingwe, Kimberly Ingwe, Muela Mutie, Tobias Donnel, Tema Modirelabangwe and Benco van Rooyen. Officials: Ontiretse Ivie Dikgole (manager), Solomon Mpusetsang (coach), Moffat Mpho (assistant coach), and Kabo Molefe (sports therapist).
