Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
NATIONAL Athletics Association of Zimbabwe president Tendayi Tagara has said he expects the men’s 4x400m relay team to deliver as they seek to secure a slot at the World Relays.
Team Zimbabwe will be in Lesotho for the Maseru International Meet this weekend hoping to post one of the best performances that will ensure they are within the top 24 teams who will make the cut at the World Relays scheduled for Botswana in May.
A maximum of 24 teams will be entered in each event — women’s 4x100m, women’s 4x400m, men’s 4x100m, men’s 4x400m, Mixed 4x100m and 4x400m relays.
The top eight teams from last year’s Tokyo World Championships will qualify for entry, while the hosts may enter one team in each event regardless of the entry conditions.
The remaining teams, to reach 24, are determined through Top Lists in the qualification period that opened on January 1, 2025 and closes on April 5, 2026.
Team Zimbabwe is made up of Leeford Zuze, Thandazani Ndhlovu, Dennis Hove and Gerren Muwishi with Ropafadzo Mzondo, a travelling reserve.
They left for Lesotho yesterday.
Tagara said going into the weekend’s race, the target is to run a better time, which will improve their chances of making the cut for the global meet.
“We are hoping for better times there so that they strategise for the Botswana Relays.
“What we only want in Maseru is a steady run and good times. I am hoping that they will run better times because if you look at it, three of the athletes are running a 45 which is a good indication that they can run a better time than what they have achieved before,” said Tagara.
After Maseru the team heads back home, before going to Botswana for another competition, the Lefika International Relays slated for March 28.
By yesterday, Zimbabwe were ranked 24th with a time of 3 minutes 03.42 seconds posted last year in March in Botswana.
And they are alive to the constantly changing rankings as nations push to make the top 24 ahead of April 5, when the qualification window closes.
“Even if they don’t, they still have time to correct their mistakes for Botswana next Saturday,” said Tagara.
Three of the team members — Muwishi, who is also team manager, Hove and Zuze — were part of the team that qualified and participated at the previous edition in China.
“Myself, Leeford and Dennis were in China last year, and I think the experience we had from the World Relays in China is going to be very good for the rest of the guys that are coming in.
“And as it is, Thandazani has run a 45.30, which is the fastest time in the country now, so it would be a great addition.
“Ropafadzo Mzondo is a junior and Under-18 but he’s running 47.03, which still is phenomenal, so at the end of the day, both additions are welcome to the team.
“And they seem to be positive additions because it seems like we are going to be going to run a fast time,” said Muwishi.
Ndhlovu said; “Being part of the 4x400m relay team is an honour.
“It has been a dream for me to be in this 4x400m team of Dennis Hove, Leeford Zuze and Gerren Muwishi, we are all about teamwork and pushing each other to be our best.
“It’s a thrill to represent Zimbabwe on the international stage, and I am excited to see what we can achieve together.
“Our expectations are high, and we are gunning for that world relays slot!
“We have been putting in the work as individuals, and we are ready to put it all on the line as Team Zimbabwe.
