Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema-Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHENGETAYI Mapaya currently finds himself at crossroads, both professionally and in his personal life.
Professionally, the lack of financial support continues to stall his progress with the Zimbabwe triple jump champion forced to skip this year’s Africa Senior Championships due to work commitments.
The biennial continental meet is slated for May 12–17, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra, Ghana.
And Mapaya was a surprise omission when the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) announced their team earlier this week.
The team is rather track heavy with the men’s 4×400 metre relay team dominating the headlines, alongside sprint merchants Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Makanakaishe Charamba also making the cut. The comprises of Leeford Zuze, Dennis Hove, Thandazani Ndhlovu, Gerren Muwishi (all 400m/4x400m), Derick Matutu (4x400m mix).
In the short distances, Makarawu (100m, 200m, 4x100m), Charamba (200m, 4x100m), Methembe Tshuma (200m, 4x100m), Ngoni Makusha (100m, 4x100m) all made the cut.
The women’s squad comprises of Samukeliso Ndebele (100m, 200m), Ashley Miller (400mH, 4x400m mix) and Anesu Nyahuma (400m, 4x400m mix).
There were no participants in the field events of Mapaya happens to be Zimbabwe’s top athlete.
The 27-year-old won a silver medal at the 2024 edition of the competition held in Cameron.
“It is unfortunate that I will not be representing Zimbabwe at the Senior African Championships in Ghana,” said Mapaya from his US base.
“Representing Zimbabwe is something that means a lot to me and I always jump at the opportunity to do so.
“However, due to work commitments, I will not be able travel to Ghana this time around.
“There were a couple logistical issues that prevented me to make the meet, what with me having a full-time job and lacking the stability to take part in every meet.
“So, right now, my main focus has to be on work, ensuring I stay healthy and sharpening my performances,” he said.
Of course, Mapaya is fresh off taking part in the World Indoor Championships that were held in Torun, Poland, back in March. Unfortunately, things did not go well for the Zimbabwe champion as he finished last in the 15-person field.
Mapaya’s final best was a 16.25m jump
Andy Díaz (Italy) won the men’s triple jump with a 17.47m leap, while Leyanis Pérez (Cuba) took the women’s title with 14.95m. Both athletes defended their titles, with Pérez securing a world-leading mark. However, the 27-year-old has refused to let the disappointment in Poland let him down, rather he has does some soul-searching in the time since.
“From a personal point of view, Poland was a mixed bag,” said Mapaya.
“As an athlete, you always want to do well and challenge for a medal and I did not do that right. I came 15th from a field of 17, which is technically last and which was very, very disappointing.
“However, every global championship teaches you something and I always make sure that I leave every competition with a lesson or two that will help me improve . . .’,’ he said.
Away from the track and field, Mapaya has managed to attain some modecum of success.
