All set for schools athletics calendar

Nkosilathi Sibanda, Sports Reporter

SCHOOLS have started preparations for this year’s track and field competitions, with action set for the coming week in all the provinces.

The competitions are run by the National Association of Primary School Heads (Naph) and National Association of Secondary School Heads (Nash). Nash president Arthur Maphosa confirmed to Zimpapers Sports Hub on Saturday, saying it’s all systems go.

“It’s that time of the year where our schools do their annual athletics competitions. Dates have been set and we are glad that our children will once again, display their sporting talents. We wish them all the best as they compete,” he said.

Headmasters-in-charge of athletics in both associations in Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South announced dates of the various stages of competitions. In Bulawayo, Nash competitions begin from 15 February with districts holding events on different days as they prepare for the inter-district clash from 7 to 8 March. Primary schools in the province did their inter-house competitions last week and the inter-districts will be held on 29 February to 1 March at White City stadium.

The national finals for primary schools championships have been set for March 19 to 22 in Masvingo. Primary schools in Matabeleland North will commence district competitions from 7 to 8 March. A week later, the districts’ select teams head to Nkayi High School on 13 to 15 March.

Secondary school learners in the province start the cluster competitions from 8 to 9 February, with the inter-districts clash planned for the 22nd with nationals at Mosi oa Tunya High School in Matabeleland North.

In Matabeleland South, secondary schools’ districts will compete from 7 to 8 March at Vhembe High School in Beitbridge.

Meanwhile, Maphosa said they are expecting more action and improved performances this year.

“We are looking at an improved activity in our sporting calendar, where all sports codes will be in action. We have more sporting action this year,” he said.