Paralympic team coach pleased

Ellina Mhlanga

Senior Sports Reporter

ZIMBABWE’S coach at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Mildred Baye, is happy with the attitude from the athletes, as their races get closer.

Pamela Shumba and Vimbai Zvinowanda are representing the country at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Shumba will compete in 100m T12 on September 1 and Zvinowanda is due to take part in T47 200m on  September 4.

“The competition is now getting closer and the athletes have settled well,’’ said Baye. 

‘‘They have actually familiarised themselves with everything that is happening here.

“They are so excited and happy that that they managed to get the opportunity to participate in these Games.

“There is great improvement and they are very excited because since it’s the Paralympics, they feel we are a family, and they feel they can also do better

“They are responding quite well to the training, although it’s summer time and hot. 

‘‘Vimbai is going to compete in the evening, so we want her to get used to the floodlights.” 

Baye said looking at the times, of the other athletes at the Games, she is expecting the two to do their  best.

“They have been working on the blocks. Blocks are very expensive to purchase and, at times in our country, they are not available,’’ said Baye.

It’s been long since the country got a medal at these Games.

The coach said it has exerted some pressure on the team since they want to also write their success story at this stage.

 “Surely, there is much pressure, the last medal from the Paralympics was from (Elliot) Mujaji and it was way back,’’ said baye.

‘‘Some people have actually forgotten that the Paralympians even brought a medal for Zimbabwe.

“I hope history can be repeated since I said they (athletes) are going to do their best.’’

The coach said she is honoured to be leading the team at the Games, having been involved in sport since 2004, participating in national, regional and continental Games.