adminEllina Mhlanga Senior Sports Reporter
TEAM Zimbabwe at the ongoing African Union Sports Council Region Five Youth Games had another fruitful day yesterday with the athletics team picking several medals in Maseru, Lesotho.
By yesterday afternoon, the athletics team had picked seven medals – two gold, four silver and one bronze.
Thabela Ndlovu and Aneka Colegrave led the way, winning gold medals in the women’s 800m and long jump respectively.
Interestingly, the silver medal in long jump went to another Zimbabwean, Tanyaradzwa Kakono, as she came in on second position.
Nigel Mutetwa picked silver in the men’s long jump. He went on to pick his second medal, a bronze in shot put.
Tanyaradzwa Kashambe also got silver in women’s high jump and David Nyamufarira also settled for silver in 110m hurdles.
Athletics coach, Briad Nhubu, said they were still expecting more medals as some of their athletes were scheduled to compete in other events late yesterday.
“Quite a good performance so far. l am optimistic that we will add more medals,” said Nhubu.
The athletics competition ends today.
Most of the medals so far came from the swimming team that picked 26 medals – seven gold, 10 silver and nine bronze.
Donata Katai won five gold medals in individual events and two silver in the relays.
Swimming coach, Masi Takaedza, said they are proud of the swimmers who rose to the occasion and delivered. “It was a good performance from all swimmers. We had so many PBs (personal best) and had swimmers in 95 percent of the finals.
“The reaction among the group has been that of joy and excitement. Some have accomplished set goals and some are happy that they won medals.
“Competition was tough all round. Most countries are coming up,” said Takaedza.
However, Takaedza said there isn’t much time to rest since the swimming season is still ongoing and they are back into training.
“I just want to say to the swimmers well done guys the sky is the limit. We are proud of you. At the same time remind them that we are still in the middle of the season and training resumes day after tomorrow.
“In total we had 12 swimmers six boys and six girls. However, due to Covid, two of our boys could not take part,” said Takaedza.
In volleyball, the men’s team is on course to pick either a silver or gold medal as they are up against Botswana in the final today.
The curtain comes down on the Games tomorrow.
Online Reporter