Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga, Zimpapers Sports Hub
PREPARATIONS for the National Cross Country Championships are in full swing, with organisers confident everything will be ready for Saturday’s meet at Bindura University of Science Education. The event will also serve as a selection platform for athletes who will represent Zimbabwe at next year’s World Cross Country Championships.
National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) competitions director, Manuel Mpofu, said entries have been coming in steadily ahead of today’s submission deadline.
“It’s promising to be a very good event. Bulawayo have already sent their entries, Matabeleland North, the host province, Mashonaland Central, Manicaland, Matabeleland South and also the bigger one, Harare province, have also sent,” said Mpofu.
“Some are finalising because our deadline is 10 November, that’s when we are closing entries.”
Mpofu also said athletes who missed their provincial qualifiers still have a chance to participate at their own expense.
“The whole idea is to say you did not qualify in your province, but you can sponsor yourself to go and participate where the event is going to be held. Come and be part of the event, but you are not scoring because you are not running for any province.
“But if you manage to qualify and beat the time which is required for you to go to the next event, you can qualify.”
Having confirmed their entries, Harare province are once again confident of asserting their dominance. They will field a 21-member team led by coach Mavhuto Tumba.
“We are travelling with 21 athletes. We are fielding both boys and girls in the juniors, senior men and senior women. We were supposed to have a full team for all categories, but then other provinces are not fielding athletes in some of the age groups, such as the cadets, Under 16, so we realised that we will travel with athletes who will not end up competing,” said Tumba.
Harare’s charge will be spearheaded by seasoned campaigners Fortunate Chidzivo and Moses Tarakinyu. Chidzivo lines up alongside Ethel Pangiso, Melody Kaseke, Brenda Njodzi, Patience Garauzive and Moreblessing Masvosve in the senior women’s 10km, while Tarakinyu leads a senior men’s team that includes Wayne Kabondo, Peter Tauzeni, Raymond Makosvo, Greatmore Martin and Edington Mugodo.
The junior men’s 8km field will feature Ndodana Paradza, Abel Phiri, Takudzwa Chisambara, Linclon Hegajaji, Briton Gatsi and Leeroy Mapfoche. The junior women’s lineup includes Chantelle Mashonga, Christabel Muyeruza and Gladys Masawi.
Besides the official provincial representatives, top runners such as Tendai Zimuto and Wellington Varevi are also expected to take part as individual competitors.
“We are not sure of the number, but some are going on their own because you find that some of the top athletes did not participate in the selection event. Last time we dominated the event, so we are expecting to dominate again,” added Tumba.
Tumba will be assisted by coaches Collen Makaza and Kimberly Chigwedere. The technical team will meet the selected athletes on Wednesday and Friday ahead of departure for Bindura.
“Last week they were training with their coaches, but we are preparing to meet on Wednesday so that we can assess them during training, to see if there is anyone who is injured or if there is anyone with a health condition. That’s what we are planning,” said Tumba.
