Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
DISTANCE runner Godwin Katakura is hoping to rise from an injury setback and fly the nation’s flag high when he takes to the starting line at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships this weekend in the US.
Katakura is one of the seven athletes set to represent Zimbabwe at the championships on Saturday in Tallahassee, Florida, US.
The athletes are expected to leave for the US tomorrow.
He will compete in the senior men’s 10km alongside Wayne Kabondo and US-based Bradley Makuvire.
Katakura picked up a hamstring injury during his build-up for the event, which saw him missing the Botswana International Cross Country.
The national champion had hoped to use the competition in the neighbouring country to step-up his preparation but had to focus on recovery ahead of the main event.
“My preparations were not so good because of an injury. I was trying to balance it, managing the injury and also doing my trainings.
“So far my injury is healing and I am going to race because now I am able to do speed sessions.
“I am expecting to finish in a good position, and I am targeting to run a fast time,” said Katakura.
He won the national championships last November with a time of 31 minutes 41.14 seconds.
Caroline Mhandu and Answer Tasara are up for the senior women’s 10km.
The spotlight will be on Katakura and Mhandu, who won the national event in November.
For the junior men’s 8km and junior women’s 6km, Zimbabwe will be represented by Jackson Nyamazana and Tulange Mudenda respectively.
Mhandu and Kabondo have been training under the guidance of their coach Collen Makaza.
Mhandu last month finished fifth at the Botswana International Cross Country in 38 minutes 45 seconds.
It was an improvement from the 39 minutes 58.44 seconds she posted at the national championships.
Makaza believes she is in a good position to compete.
“After Caroline Mhandu finished fifth at the Botswana International Cross Country Championships, we immediately shifted focus to speed improvement.
“Her training has included structured track sessions and speed endurance workouts to sharpen her finishing speed.
“The progress has been encouraging. She returned home and won the Liquor Hub 10km a few weeks ago, finishing first overall.
“This performance confirms that she is in good shape and well prepared to compete strongly in the US,” said Makaza.
For Kabondo, he will be basing it on his previous performances in 10km as he found the going tough at the national event.
However, he got sponsorship along the way to compete in the US.
“The main focus has been to ensure that he is physically and mentally ready to run his best possible time at the World Championships, with emphasis on race execution and confidence.
“As Mr Pace management, we are very proud to have two athletes representing Zimbabwe on the global stage.
“Competing at this level is extremely important for their growth and experience. As a coach, we are looking for strong performances and personal best efforts.
“Their participation also benefits sponsors, motivates teammates, and inspires upcoming athletes who look up to them as role models,” Makaza said.
Initially NAAZ were set to field Mhandu and Katakura at the World Cross Country before the other athletes got individual sponsors enabling them to participate in the US.
