Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
METHEMBE Tshuma underlined his growing reputation as Zimbabwe’s next sprinting star after clinching an emphatic double in the men’s 100m and 200m at the White City Stars Athletics Club Track and Field Championships at White City on Saturday.
The championships, now a firm fixture on the national athletics calendar, drew competitors from across Zimbabwe, with athletes vying for honours in sprints, middle and long-distance events as well as field disciplines.
Tshuma’s performances stood out among an array of rising talents, with organisers and officials hailing both the athlete’s individual brilliance and the event’s successful staging.
“We are happy to have managed to have athletes from all over Zimbabwe coming to take part. We are grateful to the organisers for making sure this event has become a feature on our calendar,” said Watson Madanyika, Chairperson of the Bulawayo Athletics Board.
The 19-year-old Tshuma claimed gold in the men’s 100 metres with a time of 10,40 seconds, outpacing Donald Mugayaka (10.50) and Tatenda Musava (10,70) in a high-quality sprint final that showcased Zimbabwe’s sprinting potential.
Later in the day, Tshuma returned for the 200 metres, once again dominating the field to win in 21,40 seconds. He was followed by Thandazani Ndhlovu, who placed second in 22,20, and Mugayaka, who added a third-place finish with 22,80 seconds.
In the women’s 100m final, Gladys Mukome emerged victorious with a time of 12.70 seconds, ahead of Silendweyinkosi Sibanda (13,30) and Linda Chadzika (13,70).
The women’s 200m final was won dominantly by Nyasha Gadaga, who clocked 24,30 seconds to claim the title.
The men’s 800m final produced one of the most thrilling finishes of the meet, with Stanley Manga edging out a fast-closing Mengezi Sibanda. Manga stopped the clock at 1:59,07, just ahead of Sibanda’s 2:00,43, while Mthokozisi Mboni secured third in 2:01,91.
In the women’s 800m, Blessed Mpatwe ran a tactical race, pulling away in the final stretch to win in 2:35,89. She was followed by Ruvarashe Mandu in 2:40,48, and Anna Sanga in 2:48,74.
In the longer distances, Bonani Moyo produced a commanding performance to win the men’s 5 000m in a time of 15:45,50, comfortably ahead of the field.
Meanwhile, Collins Kaye emerged victorious in the 10 000m, completing the race in 36,6 minutes, showcasing excellent pacing and stamina on a hot afternoon.
In field competition, Brandon Mukwena clinched gold in the men’s high jump, clearing 1,80 metres.
With high jump often a less celebrated discipline, his performance drew cheers from the crowd and praise from coaches.
Over the years, the meet has seen improved participation, better organisation, and more competitive fields, with several past winners now representing Zimbabwe at the regional and continental level.
For Bab Chairperson Watson Madanyika, the presence of athletes from all provinces is a sign of the event’s growing appeal.
“This kind of competition is essential for developing our local talent. The future of Zimbabwean athletics is promising if we continue on this path. What we’ve seen here, not just from Tshuma, but across the board, is exactly what we need to build depth and sustainability,” said Madanyika.
Londile Moyo