Nkosilathi Sibanda
MATABELELAND North are confident that they have prepared adequately for the Nestle Zimbabwe sponsored National Association of Primary School Heads (Naph) inter-provincial track and field athletics championships scheduled for Bindura next week. The province has over the years been a perennial anchor on the medals table but this year they say inter-district competitions recorded improved performance hence they are confident of doing well this year.
Hwange District took pole position and carries Matabeleland North’s hopes at the national finals. Hwange amassed 32 medals and were followed by Binga with 26.
At the bottom was Umguza with a paltry nine medals.
Charles Ndiweni, the Naph Matabeleland North chairman said they have assembled a team that is already psyched up to win.
“Following our dismal performance over the years, we’ve come up with strategies of improving our performance. All the schools in the province were advised to take athletics seriously.
“I’m glad to report that there is a general improvement in our performance and we’re sending a very strong team to Bindura which should bring back medals,” said Ndiweni.
At the inter-districts meeting at Loziba Primary School in Inyathi last Wednesday and Thursday, Mat North’s young athletes set records at the track.
The majority of athletes in the provincial team came from Hwange with a few from Tsholotsho and Binga.
Naph president Cynthia Khumalo said all was set for the national finals.
“We’re now ready for the national finals and Bindura is ready to play host to these finals,” she said.



