Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
MATABELELAND NORTH districts are heading into what promises to be a thrilling final day of competition at the National Association of Secondary School Heads Track and Field Championships at Somvubu Secondary School in Bubi today.
The event, which began yesterday morning, features athletes from Binga, Bubi, Lupane, Hwange, Nkayi, Tsholotsho and Umguza. Winners will go on to represent the province at the national finals in Harare in three weeks. By last night, no clear favourite had emerged, with the championships still wide open and any of the top four districts capable of taking the overall title.
Lupane closed the day with 12 gold medals, eight silver and eight bronze. Tsholotsho followed with 10 golds, six silver and seven bronze. Hwange collected nine gold, seven silver and nine bronze, while hosts Bubi continued to impress with consistent podium finishes.
Bubi finished the day with the highest overall tally of 34 medals — nine gold, 13 silver and 12 bronze.
“It’s been an exciting day and we look forward to good competition tomorrow,” said Mkhululi Vundla, the province’s headmaster in charge of athletics.
Binga, Nkayi and Umguza struggled to make an impact, with Nkayi managing just three gold medals, while Binga and Umguza finished the day with six apiece.
The day also produced a major upset when Tulange Mudenda was beaten convincingly in the girls’ Under-18 1 500m final by Nkosinothabo Ngwenya of Fatima High School. Ngwenya celebrated the victory, while Mudenda, who admitted the defeat, shifted her focus to her preferred event, the 3 000m. It is the second year in a row Ngwenya has beaten her.
Ngwenya will face an even tougher field at the national finals in Harare, while Mudenda — who has performed well on the international stage — will be eager to reassert herself.
Tsholotsho’s Sibusiso Thebe was among the standout long-distance athletes of the day, cruising to a comfortable win in the boys’ Under-20 10 000m in 34 minutes 43 seconds. Menzokuhle Sibanda finished second in 36 minutes 50 seconds.
Bubi’s Roland Mavhiza dominated the boys’ Under-20 shot put with a throw of 12.72m. Umguza’s Sibusiso Ndlovu was close behind with 12.60m, while Hwange’s Anthony Ncube managed 10.95m.
In the boys’ Under-18 triple jump, Tsholotsho’s Mandisa Ncube claimed gold with an impressive leap of 13.13m. Bradley Tazara secured silver with 12.64m and Minenhle Ncube took bronze with 12.47m.
