From the Pool to the Pitch: Team Zimbabwe’s Triumphs at Africa Games
Team Zimbabwe continues to shine at the ongoing Africa Games held in Ghana, making significant strides across various sports disciplines. Over the past three days, Zimbabwean athletes have consistently climbed the medal standings.
A historic moment unfolded on Wednesday as Zimbabwe’s Lady Chevrons secured gold in cricket, marking the first African female team to achieve this feat in 13 years since the inception of the games. The team clinched victory over their main rivals, South Africa’s female Proteas, in a thrilling match that went into a Super Over. Led by all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu, who was named Player of the Tournament, the golden girls displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament.
Swimmer Denilson Cyprianos, hailing from Bulawayo, made a remarkable start for Team Zimbabwe by clinching the first medal, followed by a silver in the 100m backstroke. Cyprianos, along with Benjamin Rorke, Joash Mckonie, and Bjorn Mhlanga, also broke the Zimbabwe National record in the 4x200m freestyle relay event.
Not to be outdone, Donata Katai secured a bronze in the 100m backstroke, while the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay team, comprised of Vhenekai Dhemba, Mikayla Makwabarara, Donata Katai, and Paige van Der Weisthuizen, brought home another bronze medal.
The achievements continued with Paige Van Der Westhuizen setting a new Zimbabwe National record in the 50m breaststroke finals race. However, not all events ended in victory, as Team Zimbabwe’s Karatekas faced tough competition, with Tanyaradzwa Ziwira finishing 7th and Tapiwa Nyikadzino unable to progress further.
During the opening ceremony, Lady Chevrons captain Mary-Anne Musonda and swimmer Denilson Cyprianos proudly represented Team Zimbabwe as flag bearers, marking a memorable start to the 13th African Games.
