Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
ZIBUSISO Nyoni could hardly contain himself in Mauritius last week. Standing in the stands at the Southern Africa Confederation of Athletics Association Championships, the veteran coach shouted until his voice gave way as his athlete surged ahead to victory. It was not just another race win — it was a moment built on years of hard work, patience and belief.
Nyoni, a respected figure in Zimbabwean athletics, was part of a Matabeleland South contingent that travelled with the national Under-18 and Under-20 team in search of medals and qualification for the Junior World Championships. Among the athletes he took with him was middle-distance runner Keane Ndebele, a young talent who has been steadily making his mark.
When the race began, Ndebele wasted no time. From the first gun, he took control and never looked back. He ran with confidence, dictating the pace and refusing to give his competitors any real chance to challenge him. By the time he crossed the finish line, he had secured gold in one minute 58 seconds — an impressive performance, even if it did not fully reflect his true ability.
According to Nyoni, the race did not unfold as expected.
“Ndebele led from first gun to finish with token opposition, it was an easy race at the end but it affected his time,” said Nyoni, the former national junior and senior 800m champion who once earned a scholarship to train and compete in Australia in the 1990s.
For a coach who understands the demands of competitive racing, the lack of strong opposition was both a blessing and a limitation. Victory was assured, but without pressure from other runners, Ndebele was unable to push himself to his absolute best.
Nyoni said that the race strategy had been different. The plan was for Ndebele to sit behind a pacemaker, conserve energy and then accelerate in the final stages, particularly over the last 300 metres, where races are often decided.
However, things changed once the race got underway. Instead of settling behind another runner, Ndebele found himself at the front, setting the pace. He waited for someone to challenge him, someone to push him and force a tactical battle, but that challenge never came.
For most of the race, he expected another athlete to take the lead so that he could track them closely before making his move towards the end.
That moment never arrived. Instead, he remained in control, and when he made his decisive push, there was simply no one capable of matching his speed.
Nyoni believes that stronger competition would have produced a faster time.
At home in Matabeleland South, the result came as confirmation of the work that has been going on behind the scenes. At the Kip Keino Athletics Club in Wenlock, Gwanda South, Nyoni and his team have been putting in long hours, preparing athletes not just to compete, but to win.
“We worked hard this season and we wanted the athlete to even do better but any athlete is as good as the field chasing him, had he better competition he could have clocked a better time. After the race the boy found me in tears, he had heard me shout from the terraces, but it was tears of joy, we deserved our moment,” he said.
For Nyoni, that moment was deeply personal. As a former athlete himself, he understands the sacrifices required to reach such levels. Seeing one of his own athletes succeed on an international stage brought back memories of his own career while also reinforcing his belief in the potential of athletes from Matabeleland South.
His involvement in athletics stretches back more than two decades. Over the years, he has dedicated his time to developing young talent, often working with limited resources.
Many of the athletes he has trained have gone on to compete at national level, with varying degrees of success.
Despite the challenges, Nyoni has remained committed. He has consistently argued that Matabeleland South is rich in talent, but what is lacking is sufficient support and exposure.
According to him, with the right sponsorship and opportunities, athletes from the province can compete with the best and achieve even greater success on the global stage.
Ndebele’s victory in Mauritius is a clear example of what is possible when talent is nurtured properly. It highlights not only the athlete’s ability, but also the role of dedicated coaches like Nyoni, who continue to guide and mentor young sportspeople.
Back at the championships, the celebrations were not just about a gold medal. They were about validation — proof that the effort put in during training sessions, early mornings and long journeys had finally paid off.
For the young runner, it was a moment he will not forget. For his coach, it was a reward that came with emotion and pride.
As Nyoni stood in the stands, shouting himself hoarse, it was clear that this was more than just a race. It was the result of a journey that began long before Mauritius — a journey built on discipline, resilience and belief.
And while the time on the clock may not have been exactly what they had hoped for, the bigger picture told a different story.
There is still more to come from Ndebele, and with stronger competition and continued guidance, he could go even further.
For Nyoni, the mission remains the same: to continue developing talent and to keep pushing for greater recognition and support for athletes in Matabeleland South. If this latest success is anything to go by, the future looks promising.
