Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
WITH five of Team Zimbabwe’s members done with their events at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, the focus shifts to the men’s 200m and triple jump.
Zimbabwe will be represented by United States-based Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Makanakaishe Charamba in the men’s 200m.
Chengetayi Mapaya is up for men’s triple jump qualification round.
However, the spotlight is on the two sprinters — Makarawu and Charamba.
The two athletes made waves last year when reaching the 200m final at the Olympic Games in Paris, France.
They have been on the rise and they both turned professional in the last few months.
Former sprinter and seasoned coach Partson Muderedzi, believes Makarawu and Charamba stand a good chance of repeating the same feat in Tokyo.
“I think looking at Charamba and Makarawu, I don’t doubt them. This time around I think we should reach the final and if they are not careful, we might have one getting a medal.
“These guys, I mean, have just shown what they are made of, Charamba and Makarawu.
“If we look at the way we are moving up the ladder with our athletes, I think we are gaining ground. Right now, we are being competitive in the world with these boys.
“So, I think we also need to actually motivate them, to give also positive remarks,” Muderedzi said.
Zimbabwe have eight athletes at the ongoing meet in Tokyo — Charamba, Makarawu, Mapaya, Vimbayi Maisvorewa (400m), Ashley Miller Kamangirira (400m hurdles), and marathon runners — Isaac Mpofu, Tendai Zimuto and Fortunate Chidzivo.
It is one of the biggest teams the country has had in many years at the championships. Of the eight athletes, seven qualified for the competition by entry standards and World Rankings.
Only Chidzivo got a universality slot in women’s marathon. For Makarawu, it marks his second appearance at the World Championships and Charamba is making his debut.
Ashley Miller Kamangirira, Zimuto and Maisvorewa, who have already completed their events, were also making their debut appearances at the global meet.
