Chronicle Editor
Nkosilathi Sibanda, Sports Reporter
THE Matabeleland North primary schools team which is dominated by Tsholotsho District leaves today for the National Association of Primary School Heads Track and Field Championships in Masvingo.
They held their inter-district finals at Nkayi High School last Wednesday and Thursday.
Tsholotsho were the winners of the championships in an event that produced quality competition leaving the province high in confidence of a better showing this time around.
The winners’ exceptional performance led them to secure an impressive total of 40 medals.
The province’s districts are Bubi, Binga, Umguza, Lupane, Hwange, Nkayi and Tsholotsho.
The competition ran under the theme “fighting drug and substance abuse through sport.”
Nkayi District, settled for second place this year with a total of 36 medals. Hwange District secured the third position, earning 22 medals. Nkayi started strong on Wednesday, with the young athletes dominating the field events. However, they lost their lead on the following day on the track events.
Team Tsholotsho performed well, securing the championship title with gold medals. The champions dominated in the field events as well. They also ensured that they contributed more athletes to the provincial team participating in the national championships in Masvingo the following week.
Lupane, with 19 medals, secured the fourth position while Umguza and Bubi settled for fifth and sixth place respectively. From the inter-district championships, more than 80 athletes have been selected for the national competition.
While few young athletes crossed the line in good times, it was Nolwazi Mpunzi from Bubi District who put up a commendable performance.
The 11-year-old learner at Nkosikazi Primary School got four gold medals in the 100m, 200m, 400m and long jump. Mpunzi finished the Under 12 girls’ 100m race in 14,26 seconds. She took the 200m gold at 29,21 seconds.
Her coach, Bianca Mbedzi said the athlete has a passion for running and if well nurtured, she could become a national athlete.
“Nolwazi loves athletics. It is rare to find a young girl committed to her training schedule after school. We are counting on her to carry the province to a better performance at the nationals. As Nkosikazi Primary School we are proud of her,” said Mbedzi.
Another notable performance came from Ayanda Sibelo (Nkayi) who got gold in the 100m Under-12 race in 13,21 seconds.
The competition also fused in Physical Education which is a crucial component in the school’s athletics competition.
The guest of honour, Arthur Moyo, a local Nkayi business mogul and athletics sponsor, encouraged the provincial team to improve their performance as they brace for competition at the national showcase.
He said sport needs support.
“The issue of talent identification and nurturing needs our support financially, materially and morally. To these young athletes, sport means a career, a unifier that does not recognise political, religious, tribal or any form of barrier.
“We are celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship, dedication and perseverance.” – @NkosieLegend.
Online Reporter