Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
SIX years ago, the idea seemed simple enough, create a platform where aspiring athletes could compete, test themselves against the best and dream of wearing Zimbabwe’s colours on the international stage.
Today, that vision has grown into one of Bulawayo’s most anticipated athletics events.
On September 26, White City Stadium will once again come alive when White City Stars Athletics Club hosts the sixth edition of its Open Track and Field Championships, a competition that has steadily evolved from a club initiative into a nationally recognised meet attracting athletes from across Zimbabwe.
But for the man behind it all, White City Stars Athletics Club founder Manuel Mpofu, the journey is far from over.
While reaching a sixth edition is a milestone worth celebrating, Mpofu believes the championships have only scratched the surface of what they can become.
His dream is to see the meet develop into one of the country’s premier athletics competitions, offering athletes not only the chance to compete but also meaningful rewards for their efforts.
“The sixth edition is special because it shows that we have managed to build something that has stood the test of time,” said Mpofu.
“It has not always been easy. Every year comes with its own challenges, especially financially, but the fact that we are preparing for another edition means people believe in what we are doing.
“Our aim has always been to create opportunities for athletes. There is so much talent in Zimbabwe and these championships are one way of giving athletes a platform to compete and improve.”
What started as a modest competition has grown in stature with every edition.
Athletes from different clubs, schools and provinces now look forward to the championships, which have become an important fixture on the local athletics calendar.
This year’s programme features a packed schedule including the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, the mile, 3 000m, 5 000m, 4x100m and 4x400m relays as well as the long jump.
The action begins at 8am at White City Stadium, with entries closing on September 19.
Yet beyond the races and field events, Mpofu sees the championships as part of a much bigger mission.
He wants athletes to feel that their hard work is valued.
That is why one of his biggest priorities is attracting corporate partners who can help transform the event into a competition where outstanding performances are matched by worthwhile rewards.
“We are engaging different companies because we want sponsors to come on board,” he said.
“We want athletes to compete knowing there is something meaningful to fight for. Medals are important, but athletes also deserve incentives that motivate them to keep training and chasing excellence.
“If we can secure more sponsorship, we can improve the event every year, increase the rewards and attract even more athletes from around the country.”
The sponsorship drive is about more than prize money.
It is about creating an environment where athletes feel appreciated while giving corporate Zimbabwe an opportunity to invest in a sport that continues to produce inspiring stories despite limited resources.
For many young competitors, events such as the White City Stars Championships provide invaluable exposure before progressing to national competitions.
They also allow coaches to assess talent against quality opposition in a competitive environment.
Mpofu believes Zimbabwe has no shortage of gifted athletes.
What is often missing, he says, are enough quality competitions and sustained investment to help those athletes fulfil their potential.
“Talent is there,” he said.
“What we need is to continue creating opportunities. Every athlete who competes here should leave believing they are a step closer to achieving their dreams.
“We want this competition to continue growing and becoming bigger with every edition.”
The timing of the championships also adds to their importance, offering athletes a chance to measure themselves against some of the country’s best while keeping the domestic athletics calendar active.
For Bulawayo, the event reinforces the city’s long-standing reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s athletics strongholds, a place where countless national champions have been discovered and nurtured.
As White City Stadium prepares to host another day of sprinting, endurance races, relays and field events, Mpofu is hopeful that the sixth edition will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
His ambition stretches beyond packed grandstands and thrilling finishes.
He wants to build a competition that athletes circle on their calendars every year, one capable of attracting leading competitors, inspiring the next generation and convincing sponsors that athletics deserves sustained support.
Six editions may represent a significant milestone.
For Manuel Mpofu and White City Stars Athletics Club, however, the race towards building Zimbabwe’s premier athletics championships is only just beginning.
