Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube in ACCRA, Ghana
ZIMBABWE athletes will be in action at the University of Ghana Stadium on Saturday afternoon as the search for more medals continues.
Already the team has bagged three medals.
Ashley Miller won Zimbabwe’s first medal when she won the 100m hurdles silver on Wednesday when she finished second in the final.
On Thursday Zimbabwe collected two more medals when Dennis Hove placed second in the 400m with bronze coming from Leeford Zuze.
The 4x400m will be in action for the first time since finishing fifth in the World Relays in Botswana a fortnight ago.
They are high in confidence after their Botswana epic feat had them set a new national record of 2 minutes 59.01 seconds and qualification for next year’s World Championships in Beijing, China.
With Botswana, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Cote d’Ivoire and South Africa in contention, fireworks are expected today.
The quartet of Gerren Muwishi, Hove, Zuze and Thandazani Ndhlovu, is warned to guard against complacency. They have qualified for the biggest showcase in athletics and have nothing to lose here, yet the appetite for success remains the nation’s resolve.
Coach Phakamile Lisimati decided not to temper with the team on Friday, pulling out the 4x100m relay team from the final after injuries to Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Makanaishe Charamba.
In the semi-finals on Thursday, Muwishi was thrown in to replace Makarawu but on Friday, with young 4x400m runner, Derrick Mathuthu yet to taste action, Lisimati decided that he would not risk with any of his one lappers.
“We had to sacrifice everything for our 4x400m relay team, we could not throw anyone of them to the 4x100m. We remain hopeful of a medal,” said Lisimati.
Mathuthu has since replaced Charamba in the 200m, writing himself a piece of athletics folklore when he becomes the first athlete from Beitbridge to compete at this level.
He will join young Methembe Ndlovu whose 20.22 seconds personal best should see him through to at least the semis.
Samukeliso Ndebele will also be in action.
Ashley Miller remains odds in favourite for a medal in the 400m hurdles.
