A new generation of Zimbabwean gymnasts is beginning to announce itself beyond the country’s borders, and few statements have been louder than the recent exploits of the Chitungwiza Gymnastics Club in Botswana.

Competing at an international training camp and meet in Francistown from April 16 to 19, the youthful squad delivered a performance that blended promise with podium success, underlining their growing stature in the region. Hosted by Believers Gymnastics and Marjories Academy, the tour offered a rare mix of elite training and competitive testing — a proving ground the Chitungwiza athletes embraced with confidence.

Facing peers from across the region, the Zimbabwean contingent rose to the occasion. Nine-year-old Lindiwe Mtethwa led the charge with a gold medal-winning display, while Matipaishe Chitimbire (10) claimed bronze. Ammara Kondo (11) and Makanaka Maisiri (8) added to the medal haul with impressive silver finishes, capping a strong showing across multiple levels.

The results are all the more remarkable considering the club’s recent formation. Established just last year at the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex, the club is already carving out a reputation as a serious nursery of talent in aerobics, tumbling and artistic gymnastics.

Beyond the medals, however, the Botswana tour was as much about growth as it was about glory.

Under the guidance of coaches Stuart Kadyamadare and Maria Chivasa, the athletes immersed themselves in intensive skills training, sharpening routines and absorbing new techniques. A key highlight was the interaction with Zimbabwe-born coach Beatrice Sithole, now based in Botswana, whose expertise added a valuable international dimension to the camp.

Head coach Kadyamadare described the experience as transformative for both athletes and technical staff.

“Chitungwiza Gymnastics Club was formed last year and is based at the Aquatic Complex. We focus on various disciplines, including tumbling, artistic gymnastics and aerobics, and we are affiliated to Harare Province and the national association,” he said.

“From April 16 to 19, we travelled to Botswana following an invitation from Believers and Marjories Academy. The objective was to strengthen our athletes, give them exposure and allow them to gain valuable competitive experience.

“In Botswana, we also interacted with Zimbabwe-born coach Beatrice Sithole, who is now based there. That engagement helped us fine-tune our aerobics techniques. We are pleased that we managed to secure medals across the three levels we competed in.”

The timing of the tour is strategic. Zimbabwe is preparing for the upcoming Region 5 Games, and the Chitungwiza club is positioning itself as a key contributor to the national aerobics team. The exposure gained in Botswana is expected to give the young gymnasts a competitive edge when they step onto the regional stage.

With confidence high and momentum building, the club is already setting its sights on further international engagements — a deliberate pathway to nurturing elite performers capable of flying the Zimbabwean flag with distinction.

If their showing in Botswana is anything to go by, Chitungwiza Gymnastics Club is not just participating in regional gymnastics — it is fast becoming a force to watch.