Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe have changed tack in the way they prepare for the annual African Union Sports Council Region 5 Games.
In a break with tradition, NAAZ have begun their preparations for next year’s competition in earnest.
NAAZ yesterday named a provisional team for the 2026 AUSC Region 5 Youth Games to be hosted in Mapu-to, Mozambique in December next year.
The team is mostly made up of young athletes, the bulk of whom made their debut at this year’s Games in Windhoek, Namibia.
In a statement NAAZ said as part of their preparations they have named a strong provisional squad for the 2026 Maputo games.
“As part of our preparation for the December 2026 Maputo games we have selected a provisional team of 60 athletes,” NAAZ said.
“The philosophy is for the athletes to start focusing and start preparing, knowing that they are part of a project.
“On the way we will be removing those not performing, to bring the spirit of competition until the final 50 are announced.
“There will be the World Junior Champs in Oregon in the USA in 2026, so the demand is high for our Juniors to remain in shape.
“Lagos Africa Junior was a good stepping stone where the majority of the athletes posted personal best times and highly competitive times,” added the statement.
While the juniors have begun their Region 5 Games in earnest, their seniors are fine-tuning their participa-tion at the World Athletics Championships scheduled for Tokyo, Japan next month.
NAAZ Provisional Junior teams:
Boys:
Chimuchembere Arab, Chimunya Tawananyasha Trey, Muza Takomborerwa, Zibango Prosper, Mutenure Panashe, Chamakwara Dylane, Mutizwa Takunda, Khumalo Gift, Masere Anotidaishe, Chishaya Leeroy, Kunorubwe Cryson, Muzondo, Ndlovu Phakamile, Ropafadzo, Mandishona Watip, Mudeshe Jabson, Nyama-zana Jackson, Chindowa Tatenda, Dauti Samuel, Chakonda Takunda, Sibanda Blessmore, Magwira Bright, Basikolo Tatenda, Ranzvenga Patrick, Mukupe Prince, William Anopa, Mazvita Sithole, Sibanda Makhosi, Zhou Farai, Mbonyeke Takudzwa.
Girls:
Chingono Hayley, Mutasa Beverly, Sendi Shalom, Nyahuma Anesu, Munhungaupi Magreth, Mudenda Tu-lange, Bare Sharon, Sibanda Ruvimbo, Chipuriro Martha, Gomo Panashe, Mutepfe Ratidzo, Gutsa Elsie, Ka-chambwa Kimberly, Dhlodhlo Rejoice, Run’anga Tinashe, Machekera Alacia, Murando Thelma, Sibanda Le-thuhle, Maputunura Agness, Mupini Tadiwanashe, CHIMBA RUVARASHE, Mutsigiri Lindani, Munhungaupi Magrate, William Tariro, Mudenda Mabambe, Dhewa Brenda, Mbewe Nomsa, Sibanda Mirriam, Gamana Rutendo Bvekwa Billi Johns.
