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Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
WORLD Athletics (WA) certified Eswatini coach Muzi Mabuza has praised the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) for their efforts in empowering coaches, which can only serve to improve the standards of athletics in the country.
Mabuza is conducting a WA Level Two Sprints and Hurdles coaching course at White City Stadium. The course, which commenced on Monday, will conclude on Sunday.
Mabuza is being assisted by Naaz president Tendai Tagara in conducting the course which has 17 participants drawn from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Botswana.
“It’s fantastic to see Naaz prioritising the development of local coaches through numerous courses. Educating coaches is a crucial investment in the future of athletics in Zimbabwe. By equipping coaches with the latest techniques, methods, and best practices, Naaz is helping to raise the standards of the sport nationwide. They are also helping the region because of the 17 athletes we have some coming from Zambia, Botswana, and Malawi.
“Well-trained coaches not only improve athlete performance but also play a vital role in identifying and nurturing young talent. Moreover, they help to promote a culture of excellence, sportsmanship, and safety in the sport. Naaz has done well to recognise the importance of coach education and development. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of these initiatives on Zimbabwean athletics.”
Mabuza said: “Our talented athletes need to acquire the correct technical knowledge to progress from junior to senior level. For a country to achieve success at the international level, the coaches need to be of high quality.
“I must acknowledge the strong culture of athletics in Zimbabwe. Whenever you attend junior competitions, you see Zimbabwean representation, and the talent is evident. We realise that most of these young athletes have the potential to become the best in the world,” said Mabuza.
Naaz also held a Technical Officials Education and Certification System (TOECS) which ended yesterday and was conducted by veteran coach Enias Nhoro at the same venue.
Meanwhile, the Bulawayo Athletics Board (Bab) is preparing for the Liquor Hub10 km Fun Run which will take place on December 10.
Registration for the event is underway at Liquor Hub Wholesale Centre, with fees set at $5 for seniors and $3 for juniors.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to charities.
The race will start and finish at the Liquor Hub Wholesale Centre.
Online Reporter