Provinces set to clash in explosive White City showdown

Zimpapers Sports Hub

THE countdown has begun for what promises to be one of the most electrifying events on the national athletics calendar, the Inter-provincial Athletics Championships, aptly dubbed “The Battle of the 10 Provinces.” Set for Saturday, June 7, at White City Stadium, the championships will serve as a critical qualifier for regional and global events, setting the stage for Zimbabwe’s return to elite athletics.

With Zimbabwe poised to host the Southern Region Senior Athletics Championships (SADC) in Harare from July 26-27, the June meet in Bulawayo will carry immense significance. It is more than a competition; it is the final audition for Team Zimbabwe. Athletes who excel will book their spots on the national team and, potentially, punch tickets to the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

“This is not just a local showdown, it’s the final selection platform for our senior national team. We are calling on all aspiring champions across the provinces to give it their all. 

“The path to Tokyo begins here at White City,” said Manuel Mpofu, the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) competitions director.

The current surge in local athletics is being credited to a fresh branding and engagement strategy rolled out in February by Naaz in partnership with 5Brands Consulting Group. The initiative has breathed new life into the sport, translating into increased attendance at domestic meets and record-breaking athlete participation.

This was evident during the junior national championships held on April 12 in Bulawayo, where events were so popular that several required up to five heats to accommodate all entrants. The event served as a litmus test for Naaz’s organisational capacity and they passed with flying colours.

Building on that momentum, provincial athletics boards across the country are holding their own championships to scout top talent. Those who rise to the top will converge in Bulawayo on June 7, with dreams of wearing the national vest.

“This year, the provinces are leaving nothing to chance. Every coach, athlete, and technical official knows that performing well at White City is non-negotiable; it determines who represents Zimbabwe in July,” Mpofu said. 

The resurgence of Zimbabwean athletics is also being fuelled by stellar international performances. Makanakaishe Charamba and Tapiwanashe Makarawu have both clocked a blistering 20,13 seconds in the indoor 200m, one of the season’s best times globally. Charamba has also blazed to an outdoor 19,99 second run, making him the fastest over the distance worldwide as of last week.

Such feats underscore the high stakes awaiting those competing in Bulawayo. For many, it’s a chance to follow in the footsteps of these trailblazers and put Zimbabwean athletics firmly back on the global map.

Before the Inter-provincial Championships take centre stage, Bulawayo will play host to the Payne Mdhlongwa Invitational Championships on May 30. Organised by the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Athletics Board, this event will serve as a crucial warm-up, particularly for athletes in the southern region.

“This is a call to the entire athletics community. Parents, schools, sponsors, and the general public must come out and support the talent that will represent Zimbabwe on the international stage,” Mpofu urged.

Athletes across cadet, junior, open, and veterans’ categories are encouraged to register through their respective provincial boards. With the Southern Region Championships and Tokyo on the horizon, the stage is set for White City Stadium to once again be the proving ground for Zimbabwe’s best.