MAKUSHA UPBEAT AHEAD OF GAMES

Ellina Mhlanga

Senior Sports Reporter

SPRINTER Ngoni Makusha is staying positive ahead of his second appearance at the African Games currently underway in Accra, Ghana.

The Games are running until March 23.

Makusha will compete in 100m, 200m and he is part of the 4x100m relay team.

He is also a reserve for the 4x400m relay team.

“Now we are just polishing up and finishing up on a few things like the baton exchange but otherwise everything else is set.

“So far, the preparations have been going well.

“I am happy right now that my body is healthy, I am injury free. I have just been trying to work on my weaknesses looking at where I need to fix in terms of my running technique, my nutrition and my mental health as well.

“So, what I can say right now is I am much better than I was before. I am more prepared, I am more confident. I believe in myself and I believe at the African Games we will have some good performances, especially the relay team, we are coming up well,” Makusha said.

Makusha was part of Team Zimbabwe at the 2019 Games in Morocco.

Makusha competed in 100m and 200m but failed to reach the finals.

“It was unfortunate that last time. In our last outing in Morocco we couldn’t get a medal. But this time I feel like we are more prepared for that. So I think this time we can get two or three medals.

“We have Rutendo Nyahora, Isaac Mpofu, we have the relay team, there is so much potential for us to get medals,” Makusha said.

The other members of the team are Ashley Kamangirira, Kelvin Chiku, Busani Ndlovu, Gerren Muwishi, who is the captain, Dickson Kamungeremu, Artwell Simon, Leeford Zuze, Wellington Varevi and Bradley Makuvire.

For athletics, the Games are serving as a qualifier for Paris 2024 Olympic Games scheduled for July 26 to August 11.