Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube in Kigali, Rwanda
ZIMBABWE’S recent outstanding performances on the athletics track appear to have paid dividends, with agents and event organisers flooding the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz), eager to sign the country’s top athletes or secure their participation at events in Europe.
This marks a significant breakthrough for local athletics.
In Zimbabwe, track and field events have traditionally offered little financial reward. While road runners have been able to make a living from their talents, track athletes have largely relied on the support of companies offering employment, modest sponsorship deals or the goodwill of friends and family.
It has been some time since locally based athletes have actively participated on the African competitive circuit.
An elated Naaz president Tendai Tagara and national coach Phakamile Lisimati believe the growing international interest has been well earned. He heaped praise on the locally based runners, who secured two silver medals, a bronze and a gold medal at the African Senior Championships in Accra, Ghana.
Among the foreign-based athletes, Ashley Miller was the only one to secure a podium finish, claiming silver in the 100m hurdles.
Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Makanakaishe Charamba, whose participation in the Accra team had initially been in doubt, confirmed their availability late but later withdrew, citing injuries. They had been among the country’s main hopes in both the 100m and 200m events.
Tagara said the 4x400m relay team members fully deserved their gold medal triumph.
“It was not by chance, it was planned and the athletes executed well. Some will be going to Europe, we have been receiving calls from agents who want them to come and race in Europe. That is where the money is, we have been saying that,” said Tagara.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by local athletes, many of whom compete with little or no financial reward.
“Now that they have got this platform, they can make money,” said Tagara.
There are significant appearance fees for athletes, as well as bonuses for strong performances.
For nearly two months, the 4x400m relay team competed across Southern Africa in search of qualification, and were rewarded when their time of 3 minutes 00.69 seconds set a new national record and ranked as the 13th fastest during the World Relays qualifying window in Botswana two weeks ago.
At the World Relays, they further etched their names into history by clocking 2 minutes 59.01 seconds in the 4x400m relay, setting yet another national record.
They finished fifth at the World Relays before heading to Ghana, where, against a world-class field that included Botswana and South Africa, they went on to claim gold.
It was the first time a Zimbabwean athletics team had won gold at continental level in a relay event.
Rounding off an impressive year for locally based sprinters, Dennis Hove clocked 44.92 seconds to claim silver in Accra, while Leeford Zuze secured bronze in 45.03 seconds. Another sprinter, Thandazani Ndhlovu, reached the final and posted a time of 45.38 seconds.
Methembe Tshuma, Samukeliso Ndebele and Makarawu also progressed to the semi-finals of the African Senior Championships.
The 4x100m team of Tshuma, Ngoni Makusha, Gerren Muwishi and Charamba reached the final but were unable to compete after Charamba withdrew at the eleventh hour due to injury.
Lisimati said the journey had not been easy but commended the athletes for their belief and determination, which had underpinned their success this year.
“It’s been hectic with the boys. They deserve the attention they are getting and they have been the sport’s great ambassadors,” said Lisimati.
