Moffat Mungazi
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
MANICALAND Province was the toast of the just-ended National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH) athletics competition after snatching pole position with 16 gold medals – the highest number of medals among competing provinces.
On the list of overall winners per province, Manicaland was on top position with a total of 16 gold medals, while Mashonaland Central came second with 15 gold medals.
Harare and Mashonaland West provinces settled for third and fourth positions, with 14 and 12 gold medals, respectively.
Midlands came fifth with nine gold medals, while Mashonaland East was on sixth position with a total of seven gold medals.
Home advantage was not really an advantage for struggling Matabeleland North after it finished on a distant seventh position with a paltry five gold medals. Bulawayo came eighth with four gold medals.
Matabeleland South and Masvingo provinces came ninth and 10th after completing the annual primary schools’ athletics competitions with three and two gold medals, respectively.
Manicaland Provincial Education Director, Richard Gabaza said the achievement was a direct result of solid team work, proper planning, thorough preparations and hard work.
“We scooped the first prize. Excellent performance resulting from solid team work, proper planning, thorough preparations and hard work. We are deliriously delighted,” he said.
In the Under-12 results for athletics, Manicaland came third behind winners, Harare and Midlands provinces, while Matebeleland North settled for fourth position.
Mashonaland West and Mashonaland East were fifth and sixth positions, respectively.
Mashonaland Centrals was seventh, while Matabeleland South was eighth and Bulawayo was in ninth position. Masvingo was 10th.
The Under-13 results saw Manicaland snatching pole position, while Mashonaland Central came second.
Harare was third, while Mashonaland West and Midlands provinces settled for fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
For the Under-14 results, Manicaland came third behind winners, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland West provinces. Matabeleland South was fourth.
Manicaland NAPH head-in-charge of athletics, Jones Tarumbwa said: “Manicaland produced a sterling performance in Hwange during the NAPH national athletics competition. As the provincial HIC athletics, I am really overwhelmed with pride, gratitude and sense of accomplishment.
“This victory is a testament of the tireless efforts of NAPH executive, led by one Chipongo, our PED Gabaza, coaches, trainers, and support staff.
“It is also through sacrifices made by families, friends and loved ones, and it is a celebration of the camaraderie, teamwork, and sportsmanship that defined our journey. This win, after 13 years is, not just a culmination of our hard work, but a new beginning, fresh start, and renewed commitment to excellence. As we bask in the glory of our triumph, we are reminded of the responsibility that comes with success.
“We are role models, sources of inspiration and mentors to the next generation of athletes. Let us use this platform to promote the values of hard work dedication, and perseverance. Let us show the world that with passion commitment and teamwork, anything is possible.”
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