WATCH: Young swimmers aim high!

UP-AND-COMING swimmers from Ekurhuleni sharpen up their skills.

Week in and week out, the youth from Thokoza, Katlehong, and Eden Park attend swimming lessons at Eden Park swimming pool.

The swimmers are members of the Thokoza Aquatics Club.

They are preparing for the Eastern Gauteng Aquatics junior tournament to be held at Delville wwimming pool in Germiston, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday, 22 February, and Sunday, 23 February.

Daily Sun spoke to the enthusiastic swimmers who braved the cold weather and trained on Thursday, 13 February.

Tlhafelo Masiteng (10) said he loves swimming, and one day, he wants to represent Mzansi at international events.

"I'm currently at level two and have participated in different competitions where I won medals.

"My ultimate goal is to wear juniors and national colours in various competitions to be held this year," said Tlhalefo.

Tlhalefo's dad, Tshepo Motumisi, said his son started swimming when he was eight years old.

"Whenever we used to visit parks and resorts, my son would spend a lot of time in the swimming pool.

"We, as parents, were impressed with his swimming capabilities, and we decided to find a club for him," said Tshepo.

He said his son has competed in various competitions and has won medals.

"Tlhalefo has the potential to achieve a lot in the swimming sport.

"As parents, we're going to give him all the support he needs because we believe that through hard work and training, he can achieve greater heights," Tshepo said.

Another swimmer, Thatohatsi Masomba (12) from Thokoza, said the coming swimming event is crucial for her.

"I want to improve my time so that I can qualify for the national tournament to be held in Bloemfontein later this month," said Masomba.

The team manager, Motlalekgotso Mophomane, said they have more than 20 swimmers in their club.

"Our swimmers will compete in the EGA Gala, hosted by different teams.

"We are a competitive and developing club. We also competed in EGA in Soweto, and our swimmers won silver and gold medals.

"Our swimmers are level one swimmers, and soon they'll be level two swimmers when they improve their swimming finishing time. They're only left with a short margin to improve their finishing time," said Motlalegotso.

He said that the Thokoza Aquatics Club was formed in 2013, and its mission is to nurture young kids in and around Ekurhuleni.

"The immediate goal is to see most of their children be at level two in swimming in the coming tournaments," said Motlalegotso

A young swimmer, Mamello Mapota (11), said she looks forward to competing next week.

"I'm determined to do well in the competition, and I won't allow any bad weather to stop me from reaching my goal.

"I love swimming, and I'm optimistic that if I continue to train hard, I'll improve my finishing time," said Mapota.

Crystal van Schalkwyk (34) from Eden Park said she always takes her nine-year-old daughter Lemiah to swimming lessons.

"I appreciate the role played by the academy in teaching our children how to swim, and we hope one day we will have future champions.

"My wish for Lemiah is to enjoy every moment, and she'll always have my and her dad's support," said Crystal.