Injury forces Makusha out of Africa Games team

Bukhosi Mangena Sports Correspondent
ONE of Zimbabwe’s brightest medal prospects at next month’s Africa Games, Ngonidzashe Makusha, has pulled out of the continent’s largest sporting showcase due to injury. The Florida-based athlete allegedly ruptured his tendon during training. Team Zimbabwe deputy chef de mission, technical, Kathy Lobb confirmed the sad development saying they would feel Makusha’s gap.

“I can confirm that Makusha is out of the Games team due to an injury and that’s not good for us because he was one of our medal hopefuls and his absence would be felt significantly,” she said.

Makusha made his Africa Games debut back in 2007 where he won a bronze medal in the 4×400 metre relay together with Gabriel Mvumvure, Brian Dzingai and Lewis Banda. He also competed in long jump and 100 metres, achieving 7.69 metres and 10.52 seconds in the two events respectively.

He is also the national 100metres and long jump record holder with a time of 9.89seconds and a jump of 8.4 metres both obtained in Des Moines in the USA back in 2011.

In the same year, he announced his arrival at the world stage with a breathtaking display at the 2011 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I championships in Des Moines, Iowa.

Following the two gold medal haul, Makusha became one of the only four athletes in history to win the double (100m and long jump) at the NCAA championships.

Makusha, who is no stranger to injury, was prospective Team Zimbabwe Africa Games captain after he was nominated together with swimming sensation Kirsty Coventry and Mvumvure.

In 2012 Makusha missed out on the London Olympics after he tore his Achilles tendon, an injury that sidelined him for at least 10 months until he made a return to competitive athletics at the 34th edition of the Florida State University athletics as part of the relay team.