Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
JUST a few days after a historic milestone at the World Athletics Relays, the men’s 4x400m relay team is hoping for another good showing, this time, at the upcoming Africa Senior Championships.
The biennial meet comes to life on Tuesday in Accra, Ghana.
The quartet of Dennis Hove, Leeford Zuze, Thandazani Ndhlovu and captain Gerren Muwishi, are part of the 12-member team that will represent Zimbabwe at the continental championships slated for May 12-17.
And were set to leave for Accra, early this morning.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday, Muwishi exuded confidence that another positive showing in Accra is possible.
“I think the (World) Relays were a precursor to what the boys can actually do because, at the end of the day, those were just relays. Going now to the Africa Senior Championships is about the boys showing out in their individual events. We have got Monya (Zuze), we have got Thandazani, we have got Dennis.
“We also have guys coming from the States, (Tapiwanashe) Makarawu, Makanakaishe (Charamba) and Ashley Miller. So, obviously, now it’s about working as an individual to better your times and at the end of the day you are also going to want to work as a relay to give the nation something to put on the map,” said Muwishi.
They carry with them the momentum and confidence from their recent showing at the World Relays staged in Botswana, where they finished fifth.
This was the first time the World Relays took place on African soil, and Zimbabwe were there not to make the numbers but to show they are on the rise.
“Obviously we have ran with most of the African countries that are going to be there so it becomes a bit easier on our part because we know what to expect.
“But that doesn’t mean that we are ruling anyone out.
“At the end of the day, like I said, the guys will have to run the heats, semis and finals so, obviously, the body is fatigued, but we are going to try our best to get the best of the situation and, hopefully, put the country on the podium,” Muwishi said.
Apart from the seasoned athletes, the team also include upcoming athletes, with 19-year-old Anesu Nyahuma set to make her senior debut.
She is going to compete in 400m and 4x400m mixed relay.
“I think it shows that I am making progress as an athlete.
“I am really happy to be part of the team because the last event (National Interprovincial Championships) I participated in, I wasn’t happy and now I have a chance to redeem myself, try and get the time.
“So, I am really glad to make the senior national team. I know they will push me to run a better time and maybe I can qualify for the World Junior Championships.
“I am hoping to lower my personal best, that’s my biggest goal, to improve from the time I posted at the interprovincial event, and qualify for the Junior Championships,” said Nyahuma.
To make the cut for the World Under-20 Championships, she needs to clock 55.20 seconds.
Her current personal best is 55.95 seconds.
“I am looking for a 54 or 55.00.
“I have been training, fine tuning one or two things . . . 400m is more about mental strength, so I have been working with my coach to improve on that as well,” said Nyahuma.
The locally-based athletes were set to leave for Ghana early this morning.
Makarawu and Charamba will meet with the rest of the team in Ghana.
Team
Men: Leeford Zuze (400m, 4x400m relay), Dennis Hove (400m, 4x400m relay), Thandazani Ndhlovu (400m, 4x400m relay), Gerren Muwishi (400m, 4x400m relay), Derick Matutu (4x400m mixed relay), Methembe Tshuma (200m, 4x100m relay), Tapiwanashe Makarawu (100m, 200m, 4x100m relay), Makanakaishe Charamba (200m,4x100m relay), Ngoni Makusha 100m, 4x100m relay)
Women: Ashley Miller (400mH, 4x400m mixed relay), Samukeliso Ndebele (100m, 200m) Anesu Nyahuma (400m, 4x400m mixed relay)
