Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
RENOWNED German athletics expert Gunter Lange is in Bulawayo to lead a World Athletics Level Two Middle‑ and Long‑Distance Coaching Course, which began on Sunday at White City Stadium. The programme is expected to inject fresh momentum into Zimbabwe’s athletics development.
Lange, whose coaching career spans more than 70 countries, arrived in the city ahead of the week‑long course. 15 coaches from Zimbabwe and Botswana, including five women, are participating in the programme, which is designed to sharpen advanced coaching techniques, deepen understanding of athlete development, and strengthen planning and preparation for elite performance.
Widely respected for blending scientific knowledge with practical coaching insight, Lange’s presence underscores the importance of exposing local coaches to international expertise and ensuring training methods keep pace with global standards.
The curriculum will place strong emphasis on biomechanics, physiology, training programme design, and the translation of theory into day‑to‑day practice on the track.
National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe administrator Manuel Mpofu welcomed Lange’s arrival, stressing the association’s commitment to investing in quality coach education.
“Having a coach of Gunter Lange’s calibre is very important for our development as a country. When renowned experts coach our coaches, the impact is far reaching because the knowledge gained filters down to the athletes and improves standards across the board,” said Mpofu.
He added that all preparations had been completed ahead of the course.
“We are ready for the course, and everything is in place for a successful and productive week. This programme will help our coaches better understand modern training methods and long‑term athlete development,” he said.
The World Athletics Level Two certification also provides participating coaches with internationally recognised credentials, a step expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s coaching structures and raise the overall standard of the sport.
