Tagara sets clear target for relay team

ZIMBABWE’S men’s 4x400m relay team heads into a defining stretch of the season with little room for error as they chase a place at the World Relays, starting with this weekend’s Maseru International Meet in Lesotho.

The team left the country yesterday, knowing their position is far from secure.
Ranked 24th, right on the cut, Zimbabwe must improve their time of 3 minutes 03,42 seconds or risk being pushed out as the qualification window closes on April 5.

National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe president Tendayi Tagara has made the target clear. The focus in Maseru is simple: run faster and put some distance between themselves and the chasing pack.

“We are hoping for better times there so that they can position themselves well before Botswana,” said Tagara.

“What we want in Maseru is a steady run and good times. If you look at the team, three of the athletes are already running around 45 seconds, which shows they can go quicker than what they have done before.”

Zimbabwe’s squad carries both experience and emerging pace. Leeford Zuze, Dennis Hove and Gerren Muwishi were part of the team that competed at the last World Relays in China, while Thandazani Ndhlovu comes in with the fastest time in the country this season at 45.30 seconds. Junior athlete Ropafadzo Mzondo travels as a reserve after clocking a promising 47.03.

For Muwishi, who doubles as team manager, that blend could make the difference.

“Myself, Leeford and Dennis were in China last year and that experience will help the rest of the guys,” he said.

“Thandazani has come in with the fastest time in the country, so that’s a big boost. Even the junior, Mzondo, is running good times. It gives us belief that we can go faster.”

The Maseru meet is only the first test. Zimbabwe return home before heading to Botswana for the Lefika International Relays on March 28, a second and possibly final opportunity to secure the time they need.

Across the world, teams are chasing the same target, with rankings shifting almost weekly. Only 24 teams will line up in each relay event at the World Relays in May, with the remaining slots filled through the global top lists.

That reality has sharpened the focus within the camp.

Ndhlovu, one of the newer additions, says the team understands what is required.

“Being part of this team is an honour. We are pushing each other and working as a unit,” he said.

“Our expectations are high and we are going for that World Relays slot. We have put in the work and now it’s about delivering on the track.”