Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga in ABEOKUTA, Nigeria
Zimbabwe wrapped up a spirited campaign at the CAA Under 18 and Under 20 Championships in Abeokuta on Sunday with five medals in the bag, headlined by Takunda Mutizwa’s golden leap in the triple jump.
The five day track and field meet, staged at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, drew over 40 countries from across the continent and served as a vital development platform for youth and junior athletes.
Team Zimbabwe walked away with one gold, three silver and one bronze medal.
Mutizwa, competing in the Under 18 triple jump, delivered the standout performance with a 14.96m leap to clinch gold. Tatenda Chindowa secured silver in the Under 18 men’s high jump after clearing 2.03m.
The Under 20 men’s 4x100m relay team of Trevor Tauyah, Trey Chimunya, Takomborerwa Muza and Methembe Tshuma added another silver, while the 4x400m mixed relay quartet of Derick Matutu, Nataly Shoko, Nenyasha Chihora and Anesu Nyahuma claimed bronze.
South Africa based pole vaulter Elvis Hwata added the final silver on the last day, clearing 4.30m in the Under 20 men’s event.
“I expected a bit more, honestly, but I’m happy with the new season best. I really hoped for a higher achievement. The guys I jumped with really flew. At one point, I just started praying, I believe in my abilities,” said Hwata.
There was heartbreak for Zimbabwe’s Under 20 women’s 4x400m relay team, disqualified for an exchange zone infringement after finishing in a podium position. The same fate befell the Under 20 men’s relay side.
16-year-old Ropafadzo Mzondo was among the standout performers, reaching the finals in both the Under 18 men’s 200m and 400m sprints.
“This was a good experience for me and my peers. I know I could have done better and maybe hit a new PB, but overall, I’m happy with how it went,” Mzondo said.
In the Under 18 men’s triple jump, Leeroy Chishaya narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth with a 14.82m effort.
Kimberly Kachambwa, competing in the Under 20 discus, placed seventh with a 39.56m throw. She admitted the level was a step up from her Under 18 campaign last year, where she medalled.
“This time the competition was different from 2023. It was tough, we were up against athletes with experience at the World Juniors and Commonwealth Games. But I learnt new techniques and know what to work on going forward,” she said.
Coach Silas Muringani was encouraged by the overall showing.
“Zimbabwe performed well, especially the Under 18 and Under-20 boys. Performance isn’t just about medals, we also look at times, distances and heights. Five medals at a major African event is a solid result. I believe we can do even better with more investment, but this is a clear reflection of the work that’s been done,” said Muringani.
Zimbabwe sent over 40 athletes to the continental championships.
Londile Moyo
Bongani Ndlovu