Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
The National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe president Tendai Tagara has been on the sporting trenches long enough to know that home is best.
The veteran administrator and former national coach yesterday issued a powerful challenge to the nation’s sporting community to forge a dominant future by investing fiercely in homegrown talent.
Tagara’s rallying call during a send-off ceremony for two athletes, Wayne Kabondo and Fortunate Chidzivo of Mr Pace Academy, who are set to compete internationally in Zambia and Japan, respectively next month.
Top female long distance runner Chidzivo has since secured her spot at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, scheduled for September 13-21.
Yesterday’s event, hosted by a consortium of sponsors including Zimpost Insurance, Nicoz Diamond and Global Risk Underwriting Managers (GRUMA), became a platform for a bold new vision for Zimbabwean athletics.
“Our strength is our homegrown talent. That is our advantage, and that is what we want to see more of — our own athletes rising to the top,” said Tagara.
He cited Botswana’s strategic mastery of the 400 metre events, which has now blossomed into their dominance in the sprints.
“That is the spirit we must embody. We want to create our own champions here.’’
Outlining a concrete plan, Tagara identified two critical pillars that of competition and coaching, which he believes are key in the development of the sport.
He revealed that NAAZ have acquired a new electronic timing system, a fundamental tool for legitimising races and attracting regional competitors.
“This is the foundation. This is the basis for our own competition,” he stated.
However, he believes that infrastructure alone is insufficient.
“We need to develop coaches at every level. I challenge our marathon coaches,” he said.
Chidzivo expressed her profound gratitude for the support she has received in her quest to acquit herself well at the World Champs.
“It’s always my pride to represent the nation, which I always do with joy,” she said.
“When I’m training, I know I’m not just training for myself, but for the nation.”
Muvengwa Marumahoko, representing GRUMA and Nicoz Diamond said their commitment was about more than just podiums.
“All we are doing is trying to help these athletes reach their highest potential and take them away from the streets,” he said.
“We are proud of their progress and we have been working with Mr Pace (Collen Makaza) to achieve that.”
Also present was the Zimpost Postmaster General Maxwell Chitendeni.
As a token of support, the sponsors presented the athletes with new training kits ahead of their international de-partures.
They are already on monthly incentives and will also get a chunk ahead of the international assignments.
