This archive report was first published on 6 November 2019.
Kenya is gearing up to host the Cana Zone Three swimming championships from November 28 to December 1 at Kasarani Aquatic Stadium. The event will feature 10 countries, including hosts Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and Egypt.
According to Kenya Swimming Federation's interim chairman Patrick Muyah, the national team coaches for the championships will be unveiled on Sunday. Muyah stated that the federation has started scrutinizing the performances of coaches who have shown interest in handling the national team.
"We have started scrutinising performances of coaches, who had shown interest in handling the national team for this month’s Cana Zone Three championships," Muyah said.
The final squad of swimmers will be named later this month before they begin their residential camp. Muyah added that the coaches will later come up with the list of swimmers to proceed for residential camp at Kasarani.
Kenya finished second behind South Africa in last year’s event in Sudan, but will be looking to win more medals as hosts. Mombasa swimmers have been undergoing intense training sessions under their respective coaches ahead of the naming of the squad.
Despite financial challenges, Muyah said all arrangements are in top gear. The federation's budget is Sh54 million, but they have so far collected Sh2.1 million, which is far below their target.
"Our budget is Sh54 million but so far we have Sh2.1 million, which is far below our target," Muyah said. "We are optimistic the government will fill the gap."
The championships will feature two teams from Kenya, with Team A of 40 swimmers competing for medals and another group of 40 swimmers, Team B, using the event as an exposure ahead of future championships. Another group of swimmers will be at Water Front for the 3km open swimming championships.
At the same time, Mombasa Aquathlon initially set for November 30, will now be held on November 24.
