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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
rains bring joy and hope to the majority of people but not for the Zimbabwe athletics team for the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games that will be held in Bulawayo next month.The Games roar into life on December 5 ending on the 15th with the official opening on December 4.
Team Zimbabwe went into full time camp at Bulawayo Polytechnic last Friday and will remain there until they move to the Games Village together with the rest of the athletes from 10 countries from the southern region.
Silas Muringani, one of the athletics coaches said their morning training session yesterday was disrupted as a result of the heavens that opened up on the city.
“We had to reschedule our morning session today (yesterday) because of the rains. We really hope that our future sessions will go on well but if the rains persist, we might have to adapt or else we will die,” said Muringani. He said they have since requested the authorities to find suitable gyms as possible Plan B in the event that outdoor training is continuously affected by the rains.
So far a total of 24 athletes of the 50 called up are in camp with Muringani, attributing the low number to ongoing public examinations.
Some of the athletes have since returned to their schools for Ordinary Level Mathematics and English exams which have to be rewritten after some papers leaked.
“Despite the low turnout, we are happy with the response from the athletes. It’s quite positive and encouraging as it shows that provincial coaches have been busy and as coaches we will continue with the programme that we have designed,” said Muringani.
He said the Nust track provided the ideal conditions for the athletes as they will be exposed to a similar competition environment.
Team Zimbabwe athletics team
Officials: Benson Samu (manager), Silas Muringani (head coach), Precious Tarakino (manager), Pasirai Phinie (coach), Njere Shumba (coach), Lisimati Phakamile (coach)
Men: Anesu Musazwi, Nyasha Mutsetse, Tadiwanashe Fusire Leon, Michael Songore, Moses Tarakinyu, Edwin Nyakuwengama, Moment Gorejena, Ngaatendwe Prince Katuka, Bhekisisa Tshuma, Mthokozisi Philemon Dlodlo, Andile Khumalo, Brian Mada,Titus Nyati, Rector Tatenda Musarurwa, Hlanguyo Shingirai, Tembo Tawanda, Anesu Pride Lusinga, Nicanor Bumnene Ndebele, Ronaldhino Sithole, Richard Gary King, Tendai Zimuto, Charles Matorwa, Abraham Ncube, Guide Manza, Gethrie Shava
Female: Bertha Chikanga, Chido Olivia Shavi, Enlitha Ncube, Carol Tsitsi Mahachi, Fungai Chido Dzinotyiwei, Tangu Buhle Geza, Caroline Mhandu, Maryjoy Mudyiravanji, Ruvarashe Mzinde, Yvonne Vanhuvaone, Dawn Thandeka Malinga, Nomagugu Ndlovu, Rutendo Mafuta, Nyasha Kellyrose Tapfumaneyi, Mazvita Mtinsi, Anna Bungu, Convenience Chamboko, Nomatter Kapfudzuruwa, Silivia Sheron Mtisi, Patience Guruve, Antoneta Tembo, Vimbiso Majoni, Tapiwa Chetsanga, Hillary Mandibaya, Wayne Nkomo.
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