HARARE - Tyrone Seward, fiancé of Zimbabwean swimming ace Kirsty Coventry, has revealed that lobola procedures have started between the two families and payment is expected soon.

The two lovebirds revealed in December they had settled for a traditional marriage ceremony in line with local African culture.

After the lobola has been paid at the Coventrys, the former Olympic champion and world record holder will then swap her swimming costume for a bridal frock for the wedding on a date yet to be confirmed.

The 29-year-old Zimbabwean sporting icon had been too busy with her swimming schedule around the world to settle down with Tyrone, but now it’s all systems go for the ceremony.

“It is an on-going process; all I can say at this stage is that our families have agreed on the payment plan,” 31-year-old Tyrone, who hails from the provincial town of Chinhoyi, told the Daily News yesterday.

“Unfortunately, I cannot disclose the details of the settlement as it is a personal commitment between our families.”

The two got engaged during the London Olympic Games in August.

Coventry has been dating Seward for three years. Tyrone had to put his safari and mining business venture on hold to assume a managerial role for Kirsty.