Ndebele fancying her chances

Ellina Mhlanga in NAIROBI, Kenya
ZIMBABWE’S representative in the women’s 200m at the ongoing World Athletics Under-20 Championships, Samkeliso Ndebele says she is looking forward to the challenge on Friday.

She will be the first Zimbabwean athlete on track in the women’s event before Clinton Muunga runs the men’s 200m event at Kasarani Stadium.

Ndebele will face Tereza Lamacova of Czech Republic, Beatrice Masilingi from Namibia, Slovak Republic’s Viktoria Forster, Poland’s Marta Zimna as well as Medhani Batuwanage from Sri Lanka and Serbia’s Ivana Ilic in Heat Two of the five heats line up for Friday in the women’s event.

There is likely to be stiff competition in the heat but Ndebele says she is not reading much into her opponents.

“I am very excited to represent my country, and it’s an achievement also to me. I am going to try my level best tomorrow.

“Tomorrow (Friday) I am expecting to qualify for the semi finals. I am doing my training and warm up every day and it is my prayer to represent my country in the 200m finals,” said Ndebele.

The first four and fastest four advance to the semi-final.

Her personal coach Silas Muringani said besides lack of competition building up to the championships, he believes she is prepared for the competition.