Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE’S junior track and field athletes will compete for places in the national Under-20 set-up when the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe stages its qualifiers in Harare and Bulawayo on Saturday.
White City Stadium and the University of Zimbabwe track will host the meet, which is expected to draw athletes from schools, colleges and clubs across the country.
For many of the competitors, it is more than just a weekend event. Performances at the qualifiers will help selectors identify athletes for regional and continental assignments that include the African Under-20 Championships in Mauritius and the Region Five Games in Mozambique later this year.
Bulawayo Athletics Board chairperson Watson Madanyika said entries had already started coming in and organisers were expecting strong participation.
“Preparations are on course, and we have started receiving registrations from athletes and clubs. Young athletes know these competitions are important because they provide a pathway into the national junior team,” said Madanyika.
Participation fees have been set at $2 per event per athlete, while relay teams will pay $4.
Madanyika said regular competitions remain important for developing young athletes.
“When young athletes compete regularly, they improve faster. These competitions help us identify talent early and guide them into the national system,” he said.
The qualifiers will give selectors an early look at Zimbabwe’s junior athletes as preparations begin for regional and continental competitions later this year.
derick.khumalo