Online Reporter
Muvhuso Chibi, [email protected]
MATABELELAND South is celebrating yet another sporting triumph after its Paralymic team successfully defended its national title at the 2026 Zimbabwe National Youth and Paralympic Games in Marondera, proving that determination and talent matter more than numbers.
Despite travelling with a team of only 11 athletes, the province once again dominated the competition, finishing at the top of the national Paralympic medal table with an impressive haul of 10 gold medals, seven silver medals and four bronze medals.
The achievement saw Matabeleland South outshine larger teams from across the country and reinforce its reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s leading centres of Paralymic sport.
Harare finished second with 18 medals comprising 10 gold, seven silver and one bronze, while Mashonaland Central settled for third place after collecting nine gold, seven silver and four bronze medals.
For many observers, the victory was further proof that success is built on hard work, careful preparation and commitment rather than the size of a delegation.
Leading celebrations across the province was the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Albert Nguluvhe, who praised the athletes for once again bringing honour to the province.
“I congratulate our athletes for raising the Matabeleland South flag high on the national stage. With only 11 athletes, you demonstrated extraordinary courage and fighting spirit and returned home as national champions. You have made your families, communities and the entire province proud,” said Nguluvhe.
The 2026 Zimbabwe National Youth and Paralympic Games were held in Marondera from August 13 to 26 and marked the return of the inter-provincial competition after a six-year break caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thousands of young athletes from all corners of Zimbabwe gathered to compete in various sporting disciplines, while the Paralympic segment ran from August 20 to 26.
Matabeleland South travelled to Mashonaland East with a combined contingent of 61 members competing in athletics, boxing and tennis. However, it was the Paralymic team that captured the nation’s attention after once again finishing as champions.
The latest success continues a winning tradition for the province. At the previous Games held in
Midlands in 2019, Matabeleland South won eight gold medals, six silver medals and five bronze medals for a total of 19 medals.
This year, the team improved that record by collecting 21 medals, underlining both consistency and growth within the province’s Paralymic programme.
Nguluvhe said the achievement carried an important message not just for Matabeleland South, but for the entire country.
“The achievements of our Paralympic athletes send a clear message that disability is not inability. Given the right opportunities, resources and support, athletes with disabilities can compete at the highest level and bring honour to their communities, province and nation,” he said.
He also paid tribute to the coaches, managers, technical officials and support staff who worked behind the scenes to prepare the athletes.
According to the Minister, their dedication, planning and commitment ensured the team arrived ready to compete and ready to win.
Nguluvhe further acknowledged the support received from the business community, organisations and individuals who contributed financial and material assistance towards the team’s campaign.
Their contributions helped cover transport, accommodation, meals and other welfare needs that allowed the athletes to focus on competition.
“The success we celebrate today belongs not only to our athletes but to everyone who stood behind them. I sincerely thank our business community, companies and all well-wishers who contributed towards the travel and welfare of our team.
“Your generosity and partnership made a meaningful difference and demonstrated what we can achieve when Government, the private sector and communities work together,” said the Minister.
Long before the medals were won, team officials had already expressed confidence that Matabeleland South would perform well despite its small numbers.
Speaking before departure for Marondera, Zimbabwe National Youth and Paralympic Games Matabeleland South General Manager Arthur Maphosa said the province had assembled a strong team drawn from districts across the region.
“We are confident about the team that we have put together; we might be small in numbers, but we are big at heart,” said Mr Maphosa.
“We promise that we would bring gold home, and our athletes will deliver. We appreciate the support we have received from Minister Nguluvhe and his office, and we also appreciate the support from various stakeholders in the province.”
His confidence proved well founded as the athletes delivered on their promise and returned home carrying the national title once again.
During the team’s send-off ceremony, Nguluvhe reminded the athletes that sport remains an important tool for youth empowerment, talent development and social cohesion.
He said the National Youth Games offer young Zimbabweans an opportunity to showcase their abilities, build confidence and develop the discipline needed to excel in both sport and life.
“As Matabeleland South Province, we approach these Games with great pride, determination and a strong sense of responsibility.
“We are not travelling to Marondera merely to participate, but to compete as the defending champions.
“We expect you to compete courageously and bring medals home, but those medals must be pursued with discipline, respect, teamwork and fair play.”
Looking ahead, the Minister called for greater stakeholder involvement in sport development, saying more support would help the province field larger teams and compete in additional sporting disciplines.
“We remain committed to creating wider participation opportunities in future competitions. There is a need for resource mobilisation to enable the province to participate in more sporting disciplines, and I urge various stakeholders, especially the business community, to play a part in supporting the development of sport in our province,” Nguluvhe said.
The Zimbabwe National Youth Games were launched in Bulawayo in 2003 as a national initiative to develop sporting talent among young people under the age of 20.
The competition covers a range of sporting disciplines and plays an important role in identifying future national athletes.
