Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
LONG-DISTANCE runner Caroline Mhandu has taken a big step in her preparations for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships.
Mhandu was part of a strong field that competed in the Botswana International Cross Country in Modipane over the weekend.
She finished fifth in the senior women 10km in 38 minutes 45 seconds.
While she missed the top spot, she improved her time having won the national championships in 39 minutes 58.44 seconds last month.
The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service athlete is stepping up her build-up to the World Cross Country Championships slated for January 10 in Tallahassee, Florida, US.
Her coach Collen Makaza said the outcome is a positive indication of the work they have put in so far.
“Caroline’s fifth-place finish is a strong and encouraging performance, especially considering the quality of the field,” said Makaza.
“It shows she is competitive at a high level and continues to hold her own against experienced international athletes.
“The result reflects consistency and positive progression in her form.
“Running a faster time in Botswana than at the national event last month is a very positive sign. It indicates improvement in fitness, race execution, and adaptation to competitive conditions.
“This shows that her training is translating well into performance and that she is peaking at the right time.”
The event is part of the World Athletics Cross Country Tour with a bronze status.
And Makaza noted it was the perfect platform to measure their progress as they work towards ensuring Mhandu is ready for next big assignment.
“The event was highly competitive and well-paced, providing a strong test of endurance and speed.
“Caroline handled the race well, stayed composed, and finished strongly.
“Overall, her performance confirms that she is on the right trajectory and gaining valuable international racing experience.
“This performance is a confidence booster and an important benchmark ahead of the World Cross Country.
“It confirms that she can compete in tough fields and maintain consistency under pressure.
“It also highlights that she is progressing towards the level required to be competitive on the world stage,” added Makaza.
The 30-year-old earned her ticket to represent the country in the US when winning the national championships last month in Bindura.
With less than a month to go, Makaza said they continue to build on the groundwork covered going forward.
“Going forward, the focus should be on sharpening speed endurance, improving race tactics — especially positioning in the early and middle stages — and strengthening finishing speed.
“Continued work on strength, recovery, and race-specific conditioning will also be key.
“The plan is to maintain structured training with a balance of speed work, endurance, and recovery.
“We will include race-simulation sessions, monitor her workload closely, and ensure proper recovery and injury prevention.
“Tapering at the right time, combined with mental preparation and acclimatisation, will ensure she arrives in Florida fresh, confident, and ready to perform at her best,” said Makaza.
Mhandu will be joined by Godwin Katakura, who won the men’s category at the national competition.
Katakura could not compete in Botswana as he is nursing an injury and is focusing on recovering in time for the World Cross Country.
The Botswana event attracted athletes from different countries, and Lavinia Haitope of the Nampol club, from Namibia, won the senior women’s 10km in 36 minutes 03 seconds.
Zimbabwe’s Melody Kaseke of Black Rhinos came third in 37 minutes 30 seconds.
The senior men’s 10km was won by Karabo Bosele, also of BDF Athletic Club in 31 minutes 31 seconds.
