Athletes, officials brace for NAAZ Awards

Ellina Mhlanga

Zimpapers Sports Hub

VETERAN distance runner Isaac Mpofu says his nomination for the upcoming National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe Excellence Awards is an indication he is in the right direction.

The national association will honour outstanding performers in various categories this Saturday in Bindura.

These include athletes at all levels, coaches, administrators and technical officials.

There will also be awards for provinces that excelled in athlete development, participation and performance.

NAAZ will also honour corporate sponsors and partners that supported their programmes and events.

Mpofu is up against United States-based sprinters Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Makanakaishe Charamba for the Male Athlete of the Year in the seniors section.

They were all in Japan for the World Athletics Championships in September.

Mpofu finished 10th at the global meet with a season-best time of 2 hours 10 minutes 46 seconds in the men’s marathon.

“It means I am trying my best as an athlete,” he said.

“Only those that work hard and produce positive results are the ones up for the awards, so if I am among those, then I know I am in the right direction as an athlete.

“It’s a motivation to every athlete to be nominated; even if you don’t get the award, there will be a zeal to work hard and get better results.”

Mpofu also posted some interesting results on the local scene, finishing second at the Victoria Falls Econet Marathon in July as he prepared for the World Championships.

Makarawu and Charamba, competing in 200m, reached the final and semi-final, respectively, in Japan. They also dominated the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Fortunate Chidzivo, Vimbayi Maisvorewa and Ashley Miller are vying for the Female Athlete of the Year.

For Chidzivo, this is a testament to her efforts during the 2025 season.

“It’s a reflection of the work we have done. And I thank God for the nomination. Many thanks to my head coach Edwin Chimombe and his assistant coach Hillary Chifamba,” she said.

“I am really excited. This is the first nomination I have ever had in my career, so I am really excited.”

In the youth section, Kimberly Kachambwa is in the run for the Female Athlete of the Year alongside Moiller Mullar and Tulange Mudenda.

Mudenda competing in the girls’ 5 000m scooped a gold medal at the African Union Sports Council Region Five Youth Games while Kachambwa got a bronze in discus.

Kachambwa went on to claim a gold medal at the Southern Region Senior Athletics Championships held in Harare in July.

Other highlights include the Coach of the Year, and will honour outstanding coaches at senior, junior and youth levels.

Among the nominees for the juniors’ level is McCregor Manuhwa. He was in Namibia for the AUSC Region 5 Games and the Confederation of African Athletics Under-18/Under-20 Championships in Nigeria.

“I am truly humbled to be selected as one of the nominees for the Juniors Coach of the Year by the national athletics association.

“My greatest joy lies in witnessing the growth and success of my athletes, and I am grateful to have made it my mission to help them excel.

“Above all, I give glory to the Almighty for the favour and opportunity to contribute to the development of talented athletes who can make a mark on the international stage,” said Manuhwa.

Seasoned coach Benson Chauke, who guided marathon runners — Mpofu and Tendai Zimuto to the World Championships, and Mavhuto Tumba and Zibusiso Nyoni are the contenders for the seniors.

Finalists List

Technical Official of the Year: Enias Nhoro, Tawanda Mutero, Collen Jimu.

Senior Athletes

Females: Vimbayi Maisvorewa, Ashley Miller, Fortunate Chidzivo.

Males: Isaac Mpofu, Tapiwanashe Makarawu, Makanakaishe Charamba.

Junior Athletes

Male: Takunda Mutizwa, Gift Khumalo, Trey Chimunya.

Female: Martha Chipuriro, Anesu Nyahuma, Hayley Chingono.

Youth Athletes

Male: Jackson Nyamazana, Ishmael Mafoti, Ropafadzo Mzondo.

Female: Kimberly Kachambwa, Moiller Mullar, Tulange Mudenda.

Provinces: Harare, Mashonaland West, Bulawayo.