Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
SCHOOLS from across the country’s 10 provinces have converged at Oakleigh House Trust School in Beitbridge for the National Association of Secondary Schools Athletics Federation (NASSAF) competitions, which are being hosted in Matabeleland South for the first time in history.
The prestigious national sporting showcase, which has drawn more than 2,000 pupils from across the country, officially got underway on Monday, with Permanent Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education Mr Moses Mhike leading the proceedings and setting the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive tournament.
The gathering comes barely weeks after the same venue successfully hosted the Primary Schools Association Athletics Federation of Zimbabwe (PASSAF) competitions, further cementing Oakleigh House Trust School’s growing reputation as a capable host for major national educational sporting events.
Matabeleland South Province, which is enjoying the rare privilege of hosting the national finals on home soil, is being represented by 141 athletes who earned their places after excelling at district and provincial level competitions that were held over the past few months.
Speaking ahead of the competitions in a recent interview, Matabeleland South Chief Education Director Mrs Beatrice Manjere said the province was well prepared to host the rest of the country and had put in place all necessary logistical arrangements to ensure the smooth running of the event.
Mrs Manjere said hosting both PASSAF and now NASSAF at the same venue within a short space of time was a clear demonstration of the confidence the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has in the province’s capacity to organise large-scale national events.
She added that the province was not only focusing on hospitality and logistics but was also confident that its 141 representatives would make the region proud by competing strongly against some of the best young talent from across the country’s 10 provinces.
The NASSAF competitions are expected to provide a platform for identifying and nurturing young athletic talent that will go on to represent the country at regional and international level, while also fostering unity and sportsmanship among learners from diverse backgrounds.
