Athletics gems unearthed

Brighton Zhawi
future stars were unearthed during an exciting nash Inter-provincial Athletics Championships at Peterhouse last week. Maryjoy Mudyirawanzi from Midlands stole the limelight with some great running which eventually saw her scoop the best female athlete award which came with a floating trophy and a prize money of US$50.

The 16-year-old won the 1500m race and continued with her fine showing in the 1800m and 3000m races.
Titus Nyati’s endurance in the 1500m and 5000m races saw him scoop the best male athlete while Betha Chikanga (Mash East) was unstoppable in the cross country category.

Young Adrian Chikunguru from Mash East proved to be one for the future in the 100m dash and his efforts saw him win the best sprint award.

Regional champions like Ruvarashe Muzinde, Michael Songore and Yvonne Vanhuvaone were at their usual best, showing great running technique and composure. Stiff competition in most of the races pleased most of the coaches, who were busy assessing and selecting a team for international competitions coming up.

A team of 38 athletes aged 17 and under was selected for the Cossasa Championships and the youngsters will troop into camp on April 16 in Bulawayo for the competition running from April 24-27.

“The future has always been bright but we need to plan and focus hence the need to work together as coaches, parents, schools and the corporate world. Together we can produce an Olympic medallist at the next Olympics,” beamed Phakamile Lisimati, naaz director of coaching and development.

In a speech read on his behalf by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture Thokozile Chitepo, Minister Andrew Langa hailed nash for creating a platform for future career development but castigated some parents who still have misconceptions on the importance of sport.

Hosts Mashonaland East powered to a fifth consecutive title with dominant displays in most disciplines, Manicaland came second and Masvingo, who hosts next year’s edition, finished third.