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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO sports fans yesterday turned up in high numbers at White City Stadium in anticipation of the start of athletics at the ongoing African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games. However, the start of athletics, clearly enjoying a huge following as shown by the high turnout at the stadium yesterday afternoon, was delayed due to the laying of the athletics track.
“We were meant to start today, yes but had to push it by a further 24 hours to allow for the lanes to dry. So it’s all systems go now tomorrow,” said Stanely Mutoya, the Region 5 general manager yesterday.
Teams took the extra day to familiarise themselves with the new turf while officials also got the opportunity to fine tune their machines like the race starting one which is believed to be the first time that it will be used.
Athletes from South Africa, Malawi, Botswana and hosts Zimbabwe spent the better part of the morning going through the drills with fans enjoying every moment of it. A new big screen has also been installed at the stadium, in line with international standards.
“Our athletes can’t wait to get it going. They’re more than eager to feel the new turf.
“Morale is at ceiling level,” said Team Zimbabwe athletics coach Silas Muringani.
The morning will begin with the T11, T12 and T13 800metres race for visually impaired female athletes. The difference between the three catergories is that T11 athletes are able to run on their own without the assistance of aides while the other ones need aides.
After the race for the visually impaired, there will be 800m women semi-final where Zimbabwe will field Maryjoy Mudyiravanji and Enlitha Ncube.
Hlanguyo Shingirai, Tatenda Musarurwa and Phillemon Dlodlo will carry Zimbabwe’s hopes in the men 100m semi-final.
Buhle Geza, Chido Dzinotyiwei and Ruvarashe Mzinde will make Team Zimbabwe in the 100 metres women semi-final while Ncube and Caroline Mhandu will be the first medal hopefuls in the 3,000m women final.
The last race of the day will be the men 400m semi-final which will be followed by the women’s 3,000m medal ceremony.
Online Reporter