Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AS the countdown to the National Cross Country Championships continue, the Harare Athletic Board are stepping up their efforts to field a strong team with the provincial selection competition set for November 2 at Prince Edward School.
The national event due to take place on November 15 in Bindura will see a few top athletes earning their tickets to next year’s World Cross Country Championships to be hosted by the US in January.
And provinces are busy working on coming up with their best teams for the national championships. HAB vice chairperson Aaron Whyte is optimistic of improved numbers for the provincial event, taking into account the interest that has been generated by the fact that athletes could secure their passage to next year’s world event in the US.
“We are expecting a full house. All clubs and athletes are aware and have been preparing.
“We are expecting a bumper turnout. World Cross Country Championships are such a huge incentive and athletes are keen to represent the country,” said Whyte.
Senior men and women will compete in 10km, Under-20 men and women will be up for 8km and 6km respectively.
Under-18 men will battle it out in 6km while Under-18 women compete in 4km.
The provincial competition also includes 2km and 1km races for Under-16s and Under-12s, with a focus on development.
However, the spotlight will be on the senior and Under-20 (junior) categories.
At the previous World Cross Country Championships, the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe fielded two athletes — one senior man and one junior woman.
With a few slots on offer, it promises to be tough and stiff competition when the athletes meet in Bindura. And for the provinces it means fielding their best athletes.
Whyte said they are taking a full team.
“We will take a full team of all age groups. About 40 to 48 athletes.
“The top six in each category will have an automatic entry,” said Whyte.
For the senior men they are looking at the likes of Wellington Varevi, Moses Tarakinyu, Tendai Zimuto, Blessing Waison, Godknows Katakura, Wayne Kabondo, Owen Slowly, Andrew Dick and Moses Njodzi.
Melody Kaseke, Miriam Sibanda, Ethel Pangiso, Caroline Mhandu and MaryJoy Mudyiravanji are some of the top female athletes expected to be on course for the provincial selection event.
Varevi, who has been consistent in 10km, dominating most local events, is hoping to overcome a persistent injury and make the final selection in Bindura.
“I have been struggling with a calf injury for some time but I am working on it . . . I have to make the provincial event.
“I have cut down on my events to focus on cross country, especially the national event. Of course I have to attend the provincial event and I will push to just make the top six.
“Then for the final I have to be at my best because the target there is to earn the ticket to the World Cross Country Championships and the slots are limited.
“I have been focusing on the basics, endurance and power because normally cross country requires power,” Varevi said.
Varevi is aware it is not going to be easy considering he will be up against the likes of Zimuto, who represented the country at the World Athletics Championships last month in the marathon.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub on his return from his debut appearance at the global meet, Zimuto made it clear he is aiming for another dance at the global level, and this time around the World Cross Country Championships.
