Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE COSSASA Regional Schools Athletics Championship took place in Mbabane, Swaziland, from August 25 to 27, with talented young athletes from Zimbabwe, Swaziland, and South Africa, showcasing their skills in various track and field disciplines.
Athletes competed in events such as sprints, middle-distance races, long-distance events, relays, hurdles, and field events like long jump, high jump, shot put, and discus throw.
The championship is aimed at promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, and healthy competition among participating nations.
Zimbabwe’s team demonstrated remarkable talent and determination, securing an impressive second place overall.
Several athletes from Zimbabwe earned gold and silver medals in their respective events, with notable performances in the boys 100m and 200m sprints and the girls relay team. Among the medallists were top athletes from Manicaland, who proved themselves to be among the best in the region, contributing significantly to the team’s overall success in the championship.
Notable achievers include – Tawananyasha Temai (Under-14 age group) from Victory Primary School in Mutare, who won gold medals in the 100m and 200m events.
Tawananyasha has attracted interest from Hillcrest College for an athletics scholarship.
Delan Mangatu from Shundure Primary School in Mutare, who secured gold in the 400m and silver in the 200m events, has been awarded a full scholarship by the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland.
Sibongile Mutasa, of Zongoro Primary School, who won silver in the 100m event has also received a full scholarship from the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland.
Prince Jahwi of St Judes in Makoni, won gold in the200m Hurdle and silver in the 80m hurdles events.
The scholarships awarded to Delan and Sibongile willenable them to attend high school at any of the diocesan high schools of their choice.
Anglican Diocese of Manicaland Bishop Erick Ruwona underscored the crucial role of church schools in identifying, nurturing, and developing talents in various spheres, including academics, sports, arts, and culture.
This approach enables pupils to reach their full potential and secure a livelihood.
“It is not every child who excels academically. Therefore, it is essential for church schools and all educational institutions to identify, harness, nurture, and develop talent in every sphere of learning across academics, sports, arts and culture activities to attain the full potential of pupils to earn a livelihood,” he said.
Two schools under the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland, St James Zongoro, The Great Primary School and Holy Cross Shundure Primary school, have demonstrated commitment to this approach.
Manicaland NAPH athletics head, John Tarumbwa, expressed pride in Team Zimbabwe’s performance, particularly the achievements of athletes from Manicaland, who returned home with medals.
Tarumbwa encouraged coaches to establish year-round athletics academies and prepare for the 2026 season.
He emphasised the importance of hard work and integrity in sports, stating, “Victory is sweet, but it comes through rigorous workouts. Let us fight cheating and ensure deserving athletes can showcase their talents.”
