Muunga, Ndebele raring to go

Ellina Mhlanga in NAIROBI, Kenya

ZIMBABWE’S junior sprinters Clinton Muunga and Samukeliso Ndebele have said they are excited to be representing the country at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships.

The competition is scheduled to take off on Wednesday morning at Kasarani Stadium with participants from more than 100 countries participating.

Muunga is up for the men’s 100m heats on Wednesday morning.

He will be seeking to advance to the semi-finals scheduled for the same day in the afternoon and is ready for the task at hand.

“I am just overwhelmed and overjoyed that I have this opportunity. My goal here is to qualify for the finals. I will be grateful for that but medal position will be a bonus.

“Honestly I have pushed myself too hard even during this pandemic so I think I am well prepared for this event,” said Muunga.

He is also going to compete in the 200m event scheduled for Friday.

Ndebele, to compete in the women’s 200m, still have Wednesday and Thursday to polish up her preparation ahead of her event on Friday morning.

She is also excited to be at the world junior meet.

“I feel blessed to represent my country at the World Junior Championships. I am very happy because it’s my first time to represent the country at an international competition.

“I am hoping to run personal best time and go to the finals in 200m,” said Ndebele.

However, she is concerned about her build-up to the meet.

“I did not have enough time for training due to Covid-19,” said Ndebele.

The two athletes qualified for the competition May.