Zimbabwe’s squad for the Zone VI Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association games is expected to go in camp this Wednesday as they step up preparations for the games that start next week in Bulawayo.

With 175 athletes selected from the recent tertiary games, Zimbabwe will convene at the United College of Education for the games that run from August 1-6.

About 10 Sadc countries are set to compete in different disciplines that include athletics, football, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, tennis, chess, hockey, netball, rugby, handball, karate, pool, cricket for both men and women.

Team Zimbabwe spokesperson Tsitsi Kufa told said they are ready for the games. She said the games will be held under the theme: “Regional integration through sport.”

“We are expecting about 10 countries to come here for the games. Competition is usually strong. But we believe we have a strong team in place and we are hoping to do well at home. Our team members have been preparing for these games and they will go in camp on July 27 (Wednesday).”    

Zimbabwe finished third on the medals table at the last edition of the games held in Zambia in 2014 with 40 medals in the bag. South Africa were the overall winners followed by Zambia, who were the hosts.   

Countries that are expected to participate this year include defending champions South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Venues for the games will include Barbourfields, Luveve, Bulawayo Athletic Club, White City, NUST, Hillside Teachers College Gifford High, St Columbus High, Girls College, United College of Education, Milton High and Evelyn High. The foreign teams are expected to start arriving on Friday.