Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAROLINE MHANDU will step up her preparations ahead of the World Athletics Cross Country Championships when she competes in another race in Botswana this weekend.
Mhandu is expected to take part at the Botswana International Cross Country this Saturday. The event is part of the World Athletics Cross Country Tour with a bronze status, and the winners in the Senior Men and Women 10km will receive US$1 000.
Junior men and women 8km and 6km winners will get US$500.
Mhandu, together with Godwin Katakura are set to represent the country at the World Cross Country on January 10 in Tallahassee, Florida, United States.
They booked their places after winning the national event last month in Bindura.
Mhandu will be out to improve her time and is going for a podium finish.
“I have been preparing for this race to be held in Botswana and I am doing well.
“I was recovering from the Hwange race. My body is now in good condition and I am hoping to fight for a podium position.
“My target is to run a better time and get a podium position,” said Mhandu.
She won the senior women’s 10km in 39 minutes 58.44 seconds at the national championships and was part of the field at the Kamandama Memorial Marathon on November 30.
She competed in the half marathon.
Mhandu is scheduled to leave for Botswana today and said the competition is a platform to gain experience ahead of her next big assignment.
“Since it’s my first time going for the World Cross Country Championships, it is very crucial to me as it gives me experience competing with high-profile athletes.
“It helps in preparing for other races as well as showcasing my talent.”
Her coach Collen Makaza believes she stands a good chance to shine in Botswana.
“She is going to challenge for a podium position, given her current form, gain valuable high-level cross-country experience needed for the World Championships build-up.
“And test her speed and strength against regional and continental competitors.
“The Botswana race plays a crucial role in her World Championships journey, it will sharpen her race rhythm, aggression, and pace control.
“It provides a competitive benchmark to fine-tune the final training block leading into January,” Makaza said.
Unfortunately, Katakura is no longer taking part at the event after he suffered an injury during training.
He was hoping to use the competition to also fine-tune his preparations for the World Cross Country Championships.
But with an injury, Katakura is now focusing on his recovery ahead of the championships.
“I have cancelled the Botswana trip because of an injury. I strained a muscle during training, so I am no longer going.
“I am taking some time to rest and recover.
“I am disappointed though because I really wanted to go. Unfortunately, I got injured, and there is nothing I can do except to take some time off and recover for next year,” Katakura said.
The Botswana event will also feature Youth Boys and Girls, competing in 6km and 4km respectively. There is a mixed relay 8km race on offer.
