Chronicle Editor
Zimpapers Sports Hub
BULAWAYO is set to host several athletics coaching and officiating clinics as preparations for the 2025 season get underway in January next year.
The National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) will conduct a World Athletics (WA) Level One coaching course for sprints from November 29 to December 3 at White City Stadium. Lisimati Phakamile, Zimbabwe’s director of coaching, talent identification, and development, will lead the course.
Almost concurrently, Muzi Mabuza, a World Athletics specialist, will conduct the Level Two course from December 1-6 at the same venue.
Mabuza is no stranger to the country having been in the country in April for a sprints and hurdles course.
Following these two World Athletics courses, the Bulawayo Athletics Board (Bab) will host the Naaz Level One and Two courses at White City Stadium.
Bab chairperson Watson Madanyika confirmed preparations are at an advanced stage. “Level One focuses on basic skills, talent identification, and scouting. Level Two teaches planning and designing training programmes for various events, preparing coaches for international courses,” said Madanyika.
Naaz president Tendayi Tagara said “We have applied to World Athletics for the course, running from November 29 to December 3. We expect 15 coaches for sprints, as per international requirements.”
The Level One course targets school coaches but is also open to uniformed forces.
Tagara noted, “Our target is school coaches, the backbone of athletics. We also expect coaches from Prisons, Army, Police, universities, and colleges – up to 15 participants.”
Additionally, Naaz will hold a jumps course and technical officials’ course.
“From December 1-4, we’ll host a technical officials’ course. By then, the school calendar will have ended, ensuring high coach availability,” Tagara said.
Naaz has received inquiries from Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, Botswana, and Eswatini.
Tagara concluded, “We aim to appoint at least one coach per province. These coaches will return to their schools, providing holiday training programmes for kids.”
The 2025 season is expected to commence in January.
Online Reporter