Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga in ST PIERRE, Mauritius
ZIMBABWE continued their fine showing on the final day of the Southern African Confederation of Athletics Under‑18 and Under‑20 Championships yesterday, wrapping up their campaign with a total of 19 medals.
The team finished overall third, claiming seven golds, nine silvers and three bronzes. Botswana topped the standings with 20 medals – 10 gold, three silver and seven bronze – while Mauritius amassed 32 medals, including eight gold, 10 silver and 14 bronze.
As on the opening day, Team Zimbabwe ensured their presence was felt at the Cote d’Or National Sports Complex. Tatenda Chindowa rose to the occasion in the Under‑20 men’s high jump, clinching gold with a leap of 2.10m.
Chindowa, who won silver at last year’s CAA Under‑18/Under‑20 Championships in Nigeria, was delighted with his breakthrough performance.
“I feel really good. Last year I collected two silvers at my first international meeting, so after some preparation I came back and finally got my gold.
If I’m honest, I knew I was going to win. It was just me versus me. I wanted to exceed my own expectations,” he said.
Kebonyemosemane Ndebele also struck gold, dominating the Under‑18 men’s 800m in 1 minute 58.36 seconds.
Leading from the first lap, he never looked back.
It was a productive day on the track for Nataly Shoko, Martha Chipuriro, Calvin Banga and Trey Chimunya, who all secured silver medals in their respective events.
Shoko finished second in the Under‑20 women’s hurdles in 65.50 seconds, while Banga claimed silver in the
Under‑18 men’s 400m hurdles with a time of 56.79 seconds.
Shoko, who missed out on a medal in the 400m on Saturday, was pleased with her progress:
“I’m feeling good. I’m pretty sure I just ran my personal best and season’s best. I really wanted the gold, but progress is progress. I thank God for helping me finish uninjured. We can still move forward from here.”
She had already tasted success on Saturday as part of the Under‑20 4x400m mixed relay team that won gold alongside Anesu Nyahuma, Emmanuel Uriga and Nenyasha Chihora.
Chimunya clocked 21.13 seconds in the Under‑20 men’s 200m to finish second, while Chipuriro posted 2 minutes 14.69 seconds in the Under‑20 women’s 800m.
Tawananyasha Chakonda added bronze in the Under‑18 men’s long jump. The 4x100m mixed relay team – Panashe Mutenure, Hayley Chingono, Uriga and Shalom Sendi – also claimed bronze in 45.41 seconds. Botswana won in 45.24 seconds, with Mauritius second in 45.35 seconds.
Team Zimbabwe coach Aaron Whyte praised the athletes’ efforts:
“I don’t think anybody expected us to collect the number of medals we did, but well done to Team Zimbabwe. This was a very good outing and we are very pleased.”
Zimbabwe entered the final day with 11 medals and added eight more to their tally.
“It was a very tough day. The competition level was very high, and for us to get the number of medals we did is a huge achievement. This is beyond expectation,” Whyte said.
Other countries competing at the regional meet included Namibia, Zambia, Madagascar, Seychelles, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi and Comoros.
