adminNkosilathi Sibanda in Gaborone, Botswana
A tough assignment lies ahead for Team Zimbabwe in its quest to retain the regional title at this year’s Confederation of Schools Sport Association in Southern Africa (Cossasa) Athletics Games that are underway here.The squad had amassed 19 medals – five gold, 10 silver and four bronze by day two of the event that saw four countries participating. The number though is too low to offer athletics enough competition at this level.
Only hosts Botswana, Lesotho, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia are taking part in this year’s edition.
Last year when Zimbabwe played hosted and won in Harare, this time around the team has to up its performance to prove that development programmes at this level are high.
Botswana is the only team that poses a threat to Team Zimbabwe. With the huge support the hosts are getting from their government and residents of Gaborone, Botswana might be the team to threaten Zimbabwe’s prospects to the 2014 championship title.
Notable track achievements for Zimbabwe came from Kelly Rose who took gold in the Under-17 girls 400m hurdles, recording 1 minute 05 seconds, while teammate Antonetta Tembo finished with a silver at 1 minute 06 seconds.
On day two, Enlita Ncube was the delight of the morning when she pulled a gap, chasing away to the finishing line in the 3,000m to snatch gold in the girls’ Under-17. Ncube finished in 9 minutes 58 seconds.
Another gold came Wayne Nkomo’s way in the Under-17 javelin throw, posting a personal best of 42,82m.
In the Under-14s, young Richmond Madzivanyika threw furthest in shot putt and added another gold for Team Zimbabwe and so did Sinethemba Ndlovu with a 24,34m throw.
The team dominated the field events, adding more silver medals, than the desired gold so they could get closer to the first position in the Games.
Speed merchant, Yvonne Vanhuvaone was one of the few athletes who managed to beat their personal best record here. She claimed her first medal, a silver in the 400m dash in 56,87 seconds.
Last year, Vanhuvaone recorded 57 seconds. Among the bronze medalists were again specialists in the field events.
Tinovonga Katebe had an easy leap in the long jump of 4,60m. Victor Chungwa also counted among the achievers with a 47,45m javelin throw.
This morning, Zimbabwe’s sprinters must up the stakes and win gold medals.
Competition will continue in short distances, the 100m, 200m and the relays as well. The finals of the 1,500m will be the opening event of the day this morning.
Team Manager Phakamile Lisimati was a disappointed man yesterday afternoon. He had no kind words for the athletes.
Lisimati admitted that this year’s competition is stiffer and that Botswana stand in the way of snatching the title.
“Of course we do not want to put blame and unnecessary pressure on the athletes but we want more gold medals. It is disappointing at this stage to record as few gold medals as we would have wanted.
“This time around it’s tougher. We know that we are a threat to all countries here but Botswana want to prove a point. The fact that we are getting more silver than gold, places the team in a tough position.
“The home team is a problem because they are collecting gold while we follow.”
He said hopes are high that Zimbabwe will perform better today and there is possible gold in the 800m and the 200m dash.
Online Reporter