Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAROLINE Mhandu heads to Botswana with her eyes fixed on a faster time, a stronger run and a place on the podium as she builds toward the World Athletics Cross Country Championships next month.
She lines up on Saturday at the Botswana International Cross Country, a bronze status stop on the World Athletics Tour that offers a valuable test and a thousand dollar purse for the senior winners.
The race fits neatly into her build up for Tallahassee on January 10, where she and Godwin Katakura will represent Zimbabwe after winning the national championships in Bindura.
For Mhandu, every kilometre this weekend carries purpose and she knows exactly what she wants out of it.
“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 a podium position,” Mhandu said.
She earned her national ticket with a 39 minute 58.44 run in the women’s 10km before appearing in the Kamandama Memorial Marathon half marathon on November 30.
She travels today and views Botswana as a place to stretch her limits and build confidence before stepping onto the global stage.
“Since it’s my first time to go for the World Cross Country Championships, it’s very crucial to me as it gives experience to compete with high profile athletes.
“It helps in preparing for other races as well as showcasing my talent.”
Her coach, ultra-marathoner and seasoned mentor Collen Makaza, believes this is exactly the race she needs right now.
“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.
Katakura had hoped to use the same event to sharpen his own preparations, but he is out after picking up an injury during training.
His focus has now shifted to recovery.
“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,” he said.
Saturday’s programme also includes Youth Boys and Girls races in 6km and 4km, along with an 8km mixed relay.
