Swimming SA boss excited as Commonwealth Games finally arrive

The Games get underway on Thursday, and Fritz says he cannot wait to see South Africa's swimmers in action. 

Speaking to SABC Sport, he said his focus has now shifted fully to the Commonwealth Games following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. 

He expects strong competition from the leading swimming nations as Team South Africa prepares to compete. 

SASCOC has sent a squad of 114 athletes across 10 sporting codes.  

"I think it's going gto be a very exciting Commonwealth Games, and although it has been reduced in numbers I don't think it will disappoint. We are looking forward to Glasgow and I think our athletes are ready."

READ: Rocco Meiring confident his swimmers are ready for the Commonwealth Games

Fritz, who is serving his sixth term as Swimming South Africa president, rated the team's preparations as a seven out of 10.

He believes South Africa has selected a well-balanced squad made up of experienced campaigners and promising young swimmers who are capable of delivering strong performances despite facing challenges in preparation.

The former swimming instructor believes the Commonwealth Games remains an important event on the international sporting calendar.

He says the competition gives athletes valuable experience against world-class opposition and plays a key role in preparing them for bigger events such as the Olympic Games.

"The Commonwealth Games will remain relevant for a long time because it comes off a political history of the commonwealth and it will always be an important factor in making sure that we use it as a developmental opportunity, to measure our athletes against some of the best in the world."

Fritz says he would be satisfied if the swimming team returns home with six medals, although he believes the squad has the potential to win as many as 12.

He expects stars such as Pieter Coetze and Kaylene Corbett to lead the medal charge and believes swimming will once again make a major contribution to Team South Africa's overall medal tally in Glasgow.