Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE 2025 National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) Interprovincial Championships, held at White City Stadium in Bulawayo, delivered more than just thrilling competition.
It marked the dawn of a new era for women’s athletics in Zimbabwe.
With athletes from all 10 provinces showcasing remarkable talent, NAAZ vice-president Siphathisiwe Machaya singled out the outstanding performances of female competitors as a sign of the sport’s bright future.
“What we witnessed at White City Stadium was the birth of a new era. Our women athletes are not just competing, they are commanding attention, breaking barriers, and rewriting records,” said Machaya.
“From sprints to throws to long distance, the level of dedication, training and mental toughness has never been this inspiring. The future of women’s athletics in Zimbabwe is now.”
The championships highlighted the dominance of Bulawayo Province’s Samukeliso Ndebele, who won the women’s 100-meter final in a swift 11.70 seconds. Rutendo Vushe, also from Bulawayo, took silver with 12.20 seconds, while Elizabeth Msipa from Harare Province claimed bronze in 12.33 seconds.
Ndebele continued her winning streak by taking gold in the women’s 200 meters with a time of 24.54 seconds. Praise God Nyamulenga from Mashonaland Central secured silver at 25.54 seconds, followed by Harare’s Alisha Chiota, who earned bronze in 25.92 seconds.
In the men’s sprints, Mashonaland West’s Daniel Magogo captured gold in the 200 meters, clocking 21.16 seconds.
Dennis Hove from Harare earned silver in 21.44 seconds, while Bulawayo’s Methembe Tshuma took bronze with 21.87 seconds.
Field events were equally competitive.
Aleck Vhovha from Bulawayo won the men’s high jump, clearing 1.97 metres.
Blessmore Sibanda of Matabeleland North took silver with 1.94 metres, and Mashonaland Central’s Bensin Mangombe earned bronze with 1.91 metres.
Long distance star Tendai Zimuto from Harare dominated the men’s 10,000 metres, finishing in 30 minutes 22.03 seconds.
Jack Edward from Matabeleland South followed with silver in 30 minutes 59.07 seconds, and Midlands’ Lod Bisma Mathe took bronze with 31 minutes 00.67 seconds.
In women’s shot put, Wayne Nkomo of Mashonaland Central threw 13.44 metres to take gold.
Lisa Moyo and Ngokuthula Nyoni, both from Matabeleland North, secured silver and bronze with throws of 11.61 meters and 9.56 metres.
Machaya said the performances set a strong foundation ahead of the Southern Region Senior Championships in Harare next month.
“Team Zimbabwe’s women athletes are poised to carry the momentum and pride of their provinces forward,” she said.
