adminSongore, who has been outstanding in the juniors’ 100m and 200m events this year, is the star of the team that also has Marvelous Ndebele (400m), Nyasha Mutsetse (800m), Ruvarashe Muzimbe (400m), Daniel Chidzavaenzi (400m hurdles), Tatenda Matesanwa (400m), Yvonne Vanhuvaone (400m), Shingi Hlanguyo and Sean Banda.
National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe vice-president Enias Nhoro and coach Bright Nhumwa are travelling as the officials.
“This is will be our first competition outside Africa and everyone is just anxious over the trip.
“Right now we have sorted out our visas and we should be leaving tonight (last night) and everyone is restless,” said Songore. The World Youth Championships in Donetsk will see some of the most promising talent in the world converging for the track and field meeting from July 10 to 14.
The 16-year old sprinter is hoping to reach the semi-finals in at least one of his events.
“My aim is to reach the top five in the 100m and a top three in the 200m.
“This is a new experience for us because this is the first time we are travelling to Europe but I know that I could probably face guys like Michael O’Hara of Jamaica,” said Songore.
Just like at most of his events, Michael’s mother Caroline was expected to accompany the team to Ukraine.
“My mother goes with me at most competitions and I hope to repay here by performing very well,” he said.
Team coach Nhumwa said he was not putting much pressure on the athletes as they use the platform to gain exposure in preparation for the Olympic Games in Brazil in 2016.
Online Reporter