Tinaye Agere
Ellina Mhlanga in Douala, Cameroon
ZIMBABWE’s long jumper Tafadzwa Chikomba is optimistic of a top spot in today’s final at the African Senior Championships.
Chikomba pulled through to the final in the men’s long jump with a leap of 7,48m to finish third in the qualification round yesterday at Japoma Stadium.
The United States-based athlete aims for an Olympic qualification standard of 8,27m and a medal for Zimbabwe.
He is competing at the Africa Senior Championships for the first time.
“It was pretty good; like it was my first time to be at a big competition, but I am just happy I qualified for the finals set for today,” said Chikomba.
“I think from yesterday, what I saw from the videos, I saw some mistakes and I am hoping to fix them today and do my best and I am hoping to qualify today.
“I am looking at getting a gold medal for Zimbabwe.”
His personal best is 8,11m.
Meanwhile, Tapiwanashe Makarawu will be the first Zimbabwean athlete on track for the men’s 100m semi-finals.
He clocked a time of 10,35 seconds to win heat four on Friday.
Takudzwa Donald Chiyangwa and Dennis Hove are up for the 400m semi-finals.
However, the coaches are waiting for a late fitness test on Hove, who sprained his ankle on Friday.
Chiyangwa booked his place in the semis when he came third in heat four in a time of 46,47 seconds.
Hove clocked a time of 46,18 seconds to finish second in heat five.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter