Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AS the World Athletics Championships draw closer, Team Zimbabwe coach Phakamile Lisimati says it has been a good year for local athletes with the country set to field as many as eight participants at the meet.
The global competition is due to run from September 13 to 21 in Tokyo, Japan with Zimbabwe fielding athletes in the marathon, track and field events.
Sprint sensation Tapiwanashe Makarawu headlines the Zimbabwe contingent which also includes Makanakaishe Charamba (200m), Vimbayi Maisvorewa (400m), Ashley Miller Kamangirira (400m hurdles), Chengetayi Mapaya (triple jump) and marathon runners Fortunate Chidzivo, Isaac Mpofu and Tendai Zimuto.
Hurdler Kamangira also trades on the World Athletics books as Miller.
“It has been an amazing year and amazing period in this association. We are very pleased and impressed by the performance of our athletes that have made it.
“Our team is comprised of eight athletes, who include Makarawu, Charamba, Mpofu, Zimuto, Mapaya, that’s five males.
“For the females we have Ashley Miller, we have Vimbayi Maisvorewa and Fortunate Chidzivo, that’s our team,” said Lisimati.
For a decade, Zimbabwe has mainly had female athletes at the championships in marathon and having representation in track this time around is a positive development.
“Of note and of quite importance is the qualification of our female athletes. I know in the previous years, a lot of concern was raised on how and why we are not having female athletes qualifying.
“Looking at Vimbayi’s and Ashley Miller’s performances, this is quite impressive and good.
“I want to congratulate them for qualifying and also make it a challenge to other ladies that this is possible. Any lady can make it for the World Championships and represent Zimbabwe,” said Lisimati.
With less than two weeks to go before the meet, Lisimati is confident of the athletes’ readiness for the challenge, with US-based Charamba, Makarawu, Kamangirira, Maisvorewa and Mapaya working with their individual coaches while Benson Chauke has been in charge of the marathon runners in Harare.
The National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe director of coaching, talent identification and development is fancying their chances of a medal in Tokyo.
“Our athletes are in their top shape now, busy preparing for the championship. And from our round up and checks, the athletes have been working with their individual coaches and all is well. They are all ready for the competition. They are all up for the task and the challenge.
“We are actually looking at athletes getting onto the podium and competing in the finals. Personal best times and national records are all at stake for them.
“We are not putting a lot of pressure on our athletes but we know what we are focusing on.
“Looking at the top athletes like Makarawu and Charamba, we are saying it is possible for us to get a medal from them.
“Mapaya is a seasoned athlete and we are also hoping that he jumps or leaps to the podium through his impressive jumps; looking at the rankings that he has had throughout the year.”
Lisimati appealed to the nation to support the team as they carry the country’s flag in Tokyo.
“We want to wish our team the best and we want to encourage everyone to rally behind the boys and girls of Zimbabwe and hope they get a good performance and a good result, which is actually a medal which we are looking for.
“We are now targeting to pick a medal, by looking at the numbers. Looking at the time that our athletes are posting, we are hopeful of a medal from these guys,” said Lisimati.
Maisvorewa, Kamangirira, Charamba and Zimuto will be making their debut appearances at the World Championships.
