Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube
Zimpapers Sports Hub
KANSAS State University athletics star Tafadzwa Chikomba jumped his season’s best to all but secure his place in the Zimbabwean team for the Senior African Championships to be hosted by Ghana in May.
Having jumped 8.09m earlier in the season in the US collegiate indoor season, the big Zimbabwean athlete, who is also a sprinter, leapt 8.15m.
This was at Randal Tyson Indoor Centre, Fayetteville, Arizona as they brought down curtains to yet another exciting National Collegiate Athletics Association Division One Championships.
The Zimbabwean was third overall in the final with a jump far beyond the 7.90m African Championships qualifying distance.
It has been a good season for the lad who has the best jump among Zimbabweans and lies 17th globally with Bozhidar Saraboyukox of Bulgaria having the world’s leading distance of the year of 8.45m.
His jump makes him the best African athlete so far.
No African jumper has outdone him with the second best being Temoso Masakene of South Africa with 8.11m while third spot is occupied by Divan Manuel of South Africa on 7.89m.
More jumpers will now come into more competitions as the outdoor season gathers momentum worldwide ahead of continental championships and other invitational events.
Chikomba joins a list of several Zimbabwean athletes who have made the grade for the Ghana Championships.
Thandazani Ndlovu, Denis Hove, Leeford Zuze, Methembe Tshuma, Denzil Siamusalela, Vimbai Maisvoreva with Makanakaishe Charamba and Tapiwanashe Makarawu are expected to cement their places once the American outdoor season starts.
