Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
MATABELELAND SOUTH athletics coach Zibusiso Nyoni believes the province’s rising talent now requires exposure beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
Nyoni, a former national junior 800m record holder who once received a scholarship to further his athletics in Australia, has spent the last four decades deeply involved in athletics in Matabeleland South, both as an athlete and as a coach.
He says competing outside the country could give his athletes a new outlook on the sport and intensify their ambition.
Nyoni envisions a scenario in which competing on tracks equipped with wind gauges, electronic timing systems and proper certification could help one of his young athletes qualify for a major athletics event.
He is satisfied with the calibre of talent emerging under his guidance.
“We continue to put in a lot of work in these kids. They love the sport and want to achieve and hence our desire to not rely on local competition but to expose ourselves to external athletes and environments. Our athletes need exposure,” said Nyoni.
He said every athlete aspires to represent the country and grow within the sport.
“It is always an honour for one’s athlete to represent the country and we always look for quality representation. Those that excel are viewed as role models and ambassadors of the club,” said Nyoni.
He added that he hopes the supportive Matabeleland South business community will step in to assist.
“It is our dream to travel to Botswana and take part in one of the races there with funds permitting. I am happy with the talent we have,” said Nyoni.
Among the standout athletes he is banking on is 800m runner Msana Ndebele, a consistent champion from Gwanda North; Brighton Ndlovu in the 1 500m; Sundros Moyo in the 1 500m and 3 000m; National Cross Country Championships first runner up Courage Ngwenya; and sprinter Polite Moyo.
“There are many other athletes from the province,” said Nyoni.
To address the province’s vast geographical spread and reduce travel challenges, Matabeleland South has introduced a competition series that rotates around district centres throughout the year.
This model ensures athletes compete regularly and brings races closer to communities. Due to the province’s layout — where athletes in the far south, west and north often need to travel via Bulawayo to reach each other — inter-school, club and district competitions have historically been limited.
