Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TRACK and field athletes from Harare return to competition this weekend with the provincial board hosting another event at the National Sports Stadium B Arena.
Harare Athletic Board are staging track and field championships with the main goal being the selection of the provincial junior team for next month’s National Junior Championships.
The national competition is due to take place on April 12 at White City stadium, in Bulawayo.
The national meet will also serve as the final selection meet for the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games.
As provinces brace for the national meet, where they are not just vying for national titles but having some of their athletes making the cut for the Regional Games, Harare are stepping up their efforts.
HAB chairperson Cousinet Simunyu said although the attention is more on the junior team selection, the event is open to all age groups.
“We are selecting our juniors that will compete at the National Junior Championships in Bulawayo.
“But we are accommodating everyone, even NAPH and NASH teams that are looking at perfecting their teams.
“We are accommodating all age groups, so that as a province we are well prepared for all competitions.
“The event will be made up of cadets, juniors and seniors because NAPH have their own competition in a few weeks to come.
“NASH, they have their own competition early April.”
The province is targeting to field 40 athletes in Bulawayo.
“Those 40 should meet the grade.
“We are not just taking anyone, but those that meet the grade, those that have good performances, of which as a province we have a chance to produce such a number,” added Simunyu.
HAB coaches’ coordinator Mavhuto Tumba said the ultimate goal is selecting athletes that can make the grade for the Region Five Games when they go for the national event.
“On Sunday we are expecting a good number for those that want to make it for the Region 5 Games.
“And it’s a good preparation for Harare province because we are preparing our juniors to go and compete for the final selection for the Region, which will be happening in Bulawayo.
“It’s a good platform for the Harare athletes, for both, those who are still in school and those out of school but are still within the age group to qualify for the Region 5 Games.
“The main goal is to have athletes that will go and represent us as Harare, and to be able to make the Region 5 standards.
“That’s why we have given them an opportunity to come and showcase their talent on Sunday,” Tumba said.
Those that make the top three stand a good chance of making the provincial team.
This is likely going to make the competition stiff as participants seek to progress to the national meet, improving their times as well in the process.
