Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TEAM Zimbabwe’s captain Nenyasha Chihora says they are ready to leave a mark at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships scheduled for August 5 to 9 in the Eugene, Oregon, United States.
The National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe are fielding a nine-member team at the championships.
The team is set to compete in the men’s 4x400m and 4x400m mixed relays, men’s 400m and high jump.
Speaking on the sidelines of a send-off ceremony held in Harare on Friday Chihora expressed confidence with the groundwork covered ahead of the competition.
“We know that we are going at the world stage, so we have to put more effort into our preparations to go there.
“I think my team and I are very ready to put on some show at the World Junior Championships,” said Chihora.
“We know it is the world stage, so we expect the competition to be very tough, unlike the previous one in Mauritius, where we participated at the Southern African Confederation of Athletics Championships.
“Coming from there, we know that we are going for a tough competition, unlike the one we had before.
“I think my team already knows…they are ready to compete at the World Juniors,” said Chihora.
The ceremony was organised by Coral Soft, who are the team’s main sponsors and NAAZ marketing partners 5Brands Consulting Group.
The team members are Nataly Shoko, Anesu Nyahuma, Ropafadzo Mzondo, Tatenda Chindowa, Nenyasha Chihora, Malachi Mafunga, Gift Khumalo, Emmanuel Uriga and Alvin Simon.
Most of the team members are up for the men’s 4x400m relay and 4x400m mixed relay while Chindowa will compete in men’s high jump.
Mzondo is up for the 400m race, after running a qualifying time in February. He is also expected to be part of the relay teams.
Coach Aaron Whyte is in charge of the team and they will be travelling in batches with the first one expected to leave for the US on Saturday.
The second group leaves on Sunday.
Addressing the athletes, NAAZ vice president Siphathisiwe Machaya said: “As you travel to the United States, remember that you will never walk onto that track alone.
“With every stride you take, Zimbabwe runs beside you. When you stand on the starting line millions of Zimbabweans will stand with you.
“When you wear your national colours, you will carry the hopes of every young athlete training on dusty school fields…every child who dreams of one day representing this beautiful nation and every parent who has sacrificed to see their child succeed.
“That is both a privilege and responsibility.
“Do not allow the size of the stadium to intimidate you. Do not allow the reputation of your competitors to distract you. You have earned your place among the world’s best,” said Machaya.
Machaya expressed gratitude to the different sponsors that came on board to support the team including Coral Soft, InnBucks, Top Flight Travel and Amen Academy.
Also in attendance for the send-off ceremony was National Sports Academy director Life Chemhere, Harare Athletic Board members, sponsors representatives and parents among others.
