ANESU MASAMVU IN TROUTBECK, NYANGA
Zimbabwe’s Andie Kuipers and Mandlenkosi Mutetwa are confident they can hold their own when they compete at the 16th edition of the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup , which takes place at Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga on Saturday.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday in Nyanga, United States of America based Zimbabwe’s elite women category representative Kuipers told journalists that she is confident of a good race.
“I think it is really special to be able to race at home. Since coming back, there has been so much support,” Kuipers said.
She added:“I am really excited. I feel like my preparations have been really good.”
Junior athlete Mutetwa, who is from Manicaland, stated he will take advantage of his home field since he is accustomed to the conditions.
Along with him will be nine more very competitive athletes from Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa.
He said: “My swim won’t be the best one, but I will definitely come up in the cycle.I feel like their weaknesses will be in the hill and I am sure my run will be exceptional and I’m looking forward to scoring one of the fastest runs.”
Stanley Chasakara, who is making his debut at the African Triathlon Junior Cup, stated that he will be concentrating more on his swimming.
“Tomorrow (Saturday), I will be focusing on my swim which is my strength and being a former club swimmer, I will try and do my best on the swim and maybe come out in front of the pack.”
He added:“For tomorrow’s race, I do not want to put pressure on myself. I am trying to see where I am with the rest of the countries in Africa. If I make a good time I will be happy. If I don’t, I can work on it next season.”
Other countries participating at the African Triathlon cup in Troutbeck include, Japan, Tunisia, Ireland, Austria, Kazakistan, Egypt, Mauritius, Algeria and Kenya.
