Mugabe confident of Zimbabwe's chances at Rio Olympics

Ahead of their 2016 Rio Olympics participation, Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has wished the athletes from the Southern African nation all the best in Brazil.


Mugabe hosted the 31 athletes and 26 officials ,who jetted off to Brazil on Tuesday via Johannesburg, in a ceremony at the State House on Monday.

The News Day website reports that Mugabe implored the athletes to be driven by the passion to do their best for their country, at the world’s most prestigious games.

“Team Zimbabwe stand on the verge of writing a new page in the annals of our 36-year history as a nation,” Mugabe said.

“We enjoin them as our ambassadors in sport, to be beacons and role models to the whole nation in general, and to our youth in particular.

“As we send off Team Zimbabwe, we are confident that they will perform to the best of your ability and to add more medals to our current Olympic medal haul of eight medals.

“We expect you to display the highest standards of discipline, sportsmanship and to market brand Zimbabwe in a positive manner.”

Team Zimbabwe consists of the national women's team and teams in aquatics, archery, athletics, equestrian, rowing and shooting.

Meanwhile, it is suggested that the 92-year-old did not promise any rewards to the athletes - but he has previously rewarded those who perform well at major international competitions.

The Mighty Warriors are set to face off against Germany at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo on August 3, two days before the opening ceremony.