John Ndlovu and Clive Thabo Dube
Former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko’s grandchildren, Siqokoqela II and Senamile Mphoko aged 11 and 13 respectively seem to have asserted themselves in the aquatic world.
At the just ended Senior Swimming National Championships which where held in Bulawayo, the two siblings made swimming seem so easy. Siqokoqela Mphoko II made huge strides in the boys 12 and Under age group after amassing more than 9 medals. Some of the notable achievements were gold medals in the 2000meters freestyle, 400meters freestyle, 50 meters backstroke. He helped his team to pick gold in the mixed relay medley and went on to win the overall best Junior swimmer accolade at the competition.
While on the other hand his sister Senamile Mphoko also had a decent performance at the competition as she ammased six medals at the tournament in 14 years and under age group which was dominated by Harare swimmers.
Zim GBC News caught up with the father to the two siblings Siqokoqela Mphoko Senior who expressed his gratitude to the club coaches at Stingrays for nurturing talent of his children and the Bulawayo Amateur Swimming Association.
“ I want to thank Stingrays Swimming Club for identifying potential from my children and nurtured their talents in the sport, developed them into swimming beasts, especially my son he has been brought out of his shell.” Mphoko said.
Siqokoqela Mphoko II was over the moon for his performances and thanked his parents for their support. He also stated that swimming is one of the most exhausting competitions henceforth it needs a lot of hard work and determination. He acknowledged the sport of swimming can be gruesome.
“It’s God’s Grace and I thank my parents for the support they have given me in this journey. Swimming is a very exhausting sport and so it needs a lot of hard work and dedication. I am grateful l did well in the competition, now my wish is to represent Zimbabwe at the Olympics in the near future.”Said an elated Siqokoqela II
The 11 year old swimmer also charmed his coach at club and Provincial level Louise Lee who stated that the young swimmer is one of the best and carries a lot of potential to represent Zimbabwe at the Olympics one day.
“Sqoe is a good swimmer who is well focused, we are quite happy with the achievements he got from this gala. He is a hungry swimmer who is aiming to feature at the Olympics one day.” She said.
The BASA Chairperson Phawulani Ngwenya commended performance by both swimmers who exhibited their prowess in the waters dominating circles as he however stated that they are closely monitoring the duo without disturbing them as they want to nurture and develop them so that they grow the industry.
“He is swimming very well, he also got an accolade trophy at BASA Championships, we have seen him grow into a strong freestyler who has also improved his backstroke. However we are closely monitoring his development process we don’t want to put any pressure on him, we want him to first enjoy gradually breaking BASA records and then National records and also get regional competition exposure. His sister is swimming quite well too.”Ngwenya said.
The competitions were also graced by the Minister of Sports Youth Arts and Culture and a multiple Olympics medalist Kirsty Coventry who commended the competitions as she stated that they are good for the development of the sport.