adminAllen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO athletics team manager Musawenkosi Thabane is confident the province will defend its National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) cross country title at Hillside Dams this weekend.
Thabane said they are aiming to take advantage of their home ground to retain the title.
“Everything is on course following our last training session at Hillside Dams last week. We know the route and our athletes are now familiar with the venue, so I don’t see any reason not to win this competition. They now know the obstacles on every route and when to be among the leading pack or not, so we are making the most out of hosting the competition,” said Thabane.
“Morale is high following our practice session last weekend and the athletes are good to go. Last week’s session gave us an opportunity to bond and everyone felt the responsibility of winning the championship. What I liked most is that senior athletes were encouraging juniors, so I think the team is one,” he said.
This year’s event will see competitors vying for top spot in six different categories, which include cadets (boys and girls) the 2.5KM race and mixed 8KM relay.
The seniors (men and women) will compete in the 10KM race, while junior men and women will battle it out in the 8KM and 6KM races respectively.
Thabane said Bulawayo province will be fielding a full team in all categories.
“We are fielding a full team in every category and we hope that will work in our favour considering that last time other provinces did not bring full teams.
We believe that will help us in overall prizing. We are putting our faith in the juniors that graduated to senior ranks last year and I strongly believe competition,” Thabane said.
Bulawayo team
Cadet girls: Buhle Nyoni (Mpopoma High School), Lucy Fuyana (Ingubo Primary), Ratidzo Nyathi (Ingubo Primary), Talent Sibindi (Mpopoma High), Samantha Ndlovu (Mpopoma High), Mercy Fuyana (Ingubo Primary)
Cadet Boys: Gamuchirayi Mutimusakwa (Mpopoma High), Luckmore Mpofu (Malindela Primary), Hillary Sibanda (Ingubo Primary), Quinton Chivimbiso (Ingubo Primary), Sibusiso Moyo (Ingubo Primary), Makabongwe Sibanda (Inkanyezi Primary)
Juniors women: Tatenda Ndlovu (Mpopoma High), Londis Ncube (Northlea High), Patience Gurure (Sparrows), Yvonne Mutare (Ihlosi Athletics Club), Yvonne Mpofu (Northlea High), Christabel Nyathi (Luveve High).
Junior men: Dumo Mkhwananzi (Sparrows), Witness Magwiro (Sparrows), Nigel Ncube (Northlea high), Freedom Banda (Sparrows), Tafadzwa Zhou (Northlea High), Mhlengi Ncube (Luveve High)
Senior women: Anne Chirisa (Fairbridge), Faith Sikhosana (School of Mines), Linet Tom (ZRP), Sandra Taderera (Sparrows), Brenda Banda (Northlea High),
Senior men: Trust Chidomaya (Fairbridge), Baberton Mhlanga (Fairbridge), Willard Mutasa (Jumbos Athletics club), Ubert Dube (Fairbridge), Denford Mlilo (Sparrows), Philemon Mudzinganyama (Jumbos)
Coaches: Thulisile Dube and Sicino Mpofu
Team manager: Musawenkosi Thabane.
— @khumzallen.
Online Reporter