adminMzingaye Sibanda in Hwange
HIGH level competition was exhibited on the first day of the on-going Nestle Zimbabwe-sponsored National Association of Primary School Heads (Naph) Track and Field Championships at Hwange Colliery Stadium. The home team Matabeleland North started off well, winning seven medals – two gold, three silver and two bronze.
Manicaland, Bulawayo and Masvingo were tied on three gold medals each.
Bulawayo duo Ndumiso Ncube and Mthabisi Dube scooped gold medals in the 100m final dash in the Under-13 and Under-14 categories’ respectively.
Ncube clocked 12.84 seconds in the Under-13 age-group while Dube recorded 12.50 seconds to win the seniors.
The third medal for Bulawayo came from Blessed Mudenda in shot putt in Under-12 girls’ recording 13,04m. Thinkwell Mpande won gold for Matabeleland North in the Under-12 boys’ high Jump while the only gold medal for Matabeleland South came through Jacqueline Ncube in the girls’ Under-14 high jump. They also won one bronze.
Defending champions Midlands did not record any gold medal, but one silver and they will be hoping for better fortunes today.
Naph president Cynthia Khumalo said she is happy that everything went according to plan on the first day of competition.
“The level of competition is improving every year. The competition was very stiff and I promise tomorrow it will be even much better,” said Khumalo.
Nestle Zimbabwe corporate affairs manager Farai Munetsi praised Naph for spreading the event around the country.
“The idea is to spread the healthy lifestyle to all parts of the country, so I’m happy that we are here today.
“We are achieving our goal to reach out to the country. The response was good for both local schools and parents and it means our message and products are spread across,” said Munetsi.
The events will conclude today with the 200m finals and relays.
Online Reporter