Online Reporter
Ronald Mpofu, [email protected]
PHAKAMANI High School closed out its first term of 2026 with a powerful and uplifting message, honouring the efforts of two athletes who carried both the school’s and Matabeleland South province’s hopes to the National Athletics Competitions in Harare.
The school community gathered for a public recognition assembly to salute Thabani Nleya (Form 6) and Buhle Vundla (Form 3), whose achievements placed Phakamani High School on the national sporting stage.
Although no gold medals were brought back to Plumtree, the assembly was anything but subdued. It was a deliberate affirmation of a deeper kind of victory. A small school with a big heart chose to celebrate its champions by spotlighting character, leadership and resilience rather than podium finishes alone.
Thabani, the 2026 sports captain, competed in the Boys’ Javelin (Under-20). Buhle took on two events: the Medley Relay and the 4×100 metres (Under-18 Girls), displaying versatility and determination beyond her years.
Their results were confirmed by Sports Director Mr Malvin Masunda. Thabani Nleya finished in fourth place in the Boys’ Javelin (U20), while Buhle placed seventh in the Medley Relay and fifth in the 4×100 metres (U18 Girls).
“Thabani and Buhle raised the Phakamani High School’s flag high at the National Athletics Competitions in several meaningful ways, even though they did not win medals. Thabani came position 4 in his discipline while Buhle came position 7 under Medley relays. She came position 5 under 4x100m,” said Masunda.
Beyond their performances in Harare, both athletes have already begun shaping the school’s sporting future. Thabani, in his role as sports captain, is leading team training sessions and mentoring junior athletes. Buhle, despite being only in Form 3, has stepped into leadership by setting an example through her commitment and discipline.
The school committed to featuring their full stories in the upcoming newsletter and across its social media platforms, not simply as a historical record, but as a living source of inspiration for current and future learners.
“When a Form 3 learner sees Buhle, they don’t just see a runner. They see someone who said yes to a challenge,” one teacher noted during the assembly.
The National Athletics Championships were held from March 24 to 26, 2026, at Prince Edward High School in Harare. Representing Matabeleland South province, the team finished in fifth position overall, collecting a total of 30 medals—10 gold, 10 silver and 10 bronze.
