NAAZ shift focus

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
NATIONAL Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) director-in-charge of youth Briad Nhubu has said their focus going into the upcoming IAAF World Under-18 championships in Nairobi, Kenya is developing their athletes.

The championships will run from July 12 to 16 and Zimbabwe are fielding seven athletes — four boys and three girls.

The boys team will be led by Donavan Mutariswa, who was in Tlemcen, Algeria for the African Junior championships, Alfred Chawonza, Simbarashe Maketa and Tapiwa Makarau.

Vimbai Maisvoreva, Arage Mutombo and Mascline Watama will compete in the girls section.

Nhubu said while they would want to emulate the juniors who walked away with nine medals at the just-ended continental championships, it’s going to be a tough assignment for the youths in Kenya.

“Most of the events we are competing in, we are going to meet Kenya at home, Ethiopia also and Eritrea. So I know we will have a tough time.

“If we reach the semi-finals that will be a big achievement because it’s a big event as compared to African championships.

“If they manage to get to the next stage from the heats it will be an achievement. We have had exposure in regional competitions, but for most of them it’s their first time at the World Youth.

“So, if they can push their times in terms of performance, that will be good for us.

“I am happy that the juniors managed to bring something home — gold, silver and bronze. But these juniors have actually come from the youth programme. So it’s a development programme where the youth get exposure,” said Nhubu.

Mutariswa was part of the 4x100m boys relay team that won gold at the just-ended African Junior championships in Algeria while Watama competed in the girls 100m.

Nhubu will be in charge of the team in Kenya and it will be a busy weekend when the team meets in Harare for their final preparations just before their departure on Monday.

“We had Donavan and Watama travelling with the juniors as part of their preparations. Chaonza is in the United States where he is working with the coaches there,” said Nhubu

Team

Boys: Simbarashe Maketa (medley relay), Donavan Mutariswa (200m), Alfred Chawonza (800m), Tapiwa Makarau (200m)

Girls: Vimbai Maisvoreva (800m), Arage Mutombo (800), Mascline Watama (medley relay).