adminPeter Phiri Sports Correspondent
THREE athletes from Bulawayo left for Russia last night for the World University Games which commence tomorrow in the city of Kazan.
The three are Nyasha Charandura, Thesley Mufunda and Tafadza Chitemamwise all from the National University of Science and Technology (Nust).
Charandura is a 100 and 200m sprints specialist while Chitemamwise and Mufunda are tennis players.
The trio will join their counterparts from other universities from around the country as part of the Zimbabwean team carrying the hopes of a nation.
Nust’s director of information and public relations Felix Moyo said he wishes the three the best in Russia.
“I wish them the best and hope they will compete fairly and raise the country’s flag high and not only that but also raise Nust and Bulawayo’s profile.
“They should compete fairly and avoid cheating. Winning is good but participation is important as well so I say to them go and give your best. It is good for them as they will be exposed to unusual experiences,’’ said Moyo.
Sibonile Madhodha who is travelling with the athletes as an official said they are excited and will be aiming high in Russia.
“We are excited and looking forward to a good show in Russia as we aim higher.
“The guys are quite confident as they prepare to square up against the world’s best in Russia. We will be flying the country’s flag high out there,’’ said Madhodha.
Mufunda could not contain his excitement saying it was his first time to fly out of Africa.
“This is an experience of a life time and I have to make the best use of it.
“I know it will be tough coming up against some of the world’s best tennis players in Russia. Some of the players I will be facing are ranked in the top 200 in the world.
“I will do my best and above all fly the country’s flag high. It will be a great experience since this is also my first time to fly out of Africa,’’ he said.
Mufunda won a bronze medal in Namibia last year and will be teaming up with Chitemamwise during the tennis doubles competition.
“I will do my best since I have been working hard for the past months in preparation for these Games. The competition will be tough and that cannot be denied but I will be up to the challenge and raise my country’s flag high.
“In athletics anything can happen and I am going to compete and not make the numbers,’’ said Charandura whose personal best time in 100m still remains 10.32 seconds.
The World University Games involve all universities from around the world and the competition in these Games is intense.
Some of the athletes who take part in these games are household names in the world of athletics so the Zimbabwean team will be facing formidable opposition in Russia.
Online Reporter