Mozambicans train in Mossel Bay for Olympics

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MOSSEL BAY SPORT NEWS - Three Mozambican sailors are in Mossel Bay until 22 June, preparing for the sailing Olympics in Tokyo, which start on 25 July.

They are undergoing training with Mossel Bay local Rob Holden, who is the training delivery manager for the World Sailing Federation.

As their coach, he will be accompanying them to the Olympics.

The World Sailing Federation has a focus on developing countries and uplifting those countries' sailors to a standard whereby they may participate in the Olympics.

Photo gallery: Mozambican sailors training for Olympics in Mossel Bay

The reason the Mozambican sailors are training here in Mossel Bay is that the weather conditions are similar to the bay in Tokyo, where the Olympics will take place.

There are no waves in Maputo Bay, where the sailors come from. They are training every day for five hours in Mossel Bay, depending on the weather.

This will be the three sailors' first Olympics. They will be sailing two classes of boat, the International 470 and the Laser Radial.

Holden told the Mossel Bay Advertiser: "Our realistic expectation is that they will come somewhere between the middle and the end of the fleet. We are seeing this as a learning experience and as training for the Paris Olympics in 2024."

He said: "The fact the sailors are here highlights Mossel Bay's suitability for international training." He stressed the value of the bay, the climate and the convenience of the town to international visitors including athletes and Olympians.

The sailors are also here under the auspices of the local Skipper Foundation, an NPO which trains young sailors.

One of the Mozambicans, Deizy Nhaquile (20), said: "I have been sailing for 12 years and have been to South Africa many times."

For the other two sailors, it is their first time in South Africa. Besides the training in Mossel Bay, the three will have time to train with Holden in Tokyo before the Olympics begin.

From left: Denise Pannuque (18) and Maria Machava (16) sail International 470s and Deizy Nhaquile (20), a Laser Radial. Photo: Linda Sparg