White City Stars Championships return for fifth edition

Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub

WHITE CITY Stadium will roar back to life this Saturday as athletes from across Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries gather for the fifth edition of the White City Stars Academy Track and Field Championships, an event now firmly etched on the local athletics calendar.

Launched in 2021 with just over a hundred participants, the meet has grown in both size and stature, drawing schools and clubs from across the country. This year’s edition is expected to be the biggest yet.

“We’re looking forward to the event, which has continued to grow with each passing year,” said Bulawayo Athletics Board chairman.

“We’re hoping to attract more athletes from outside Zimbabwe, as we’ve done before. This is more than just a competition, it’s a development platform.”

Founded by respected coach Manuel Mpofu, the White City Stars Academy has played a key role in nurturing emerging talent and providing athletes with exposure to structured competition. For Mpofu, the fifth edition is a proud milestone.

“When we started, it was about giving athletes a chance to shine on a proper stage,” he said. “Five years later, we’ve built something special. We’re expecting top performances and strong competition again this year. We also hope more sponsors will come on board to support the vision.”

The one-day event will feature a full range of track and field disciplines, from the 100m sprints to middle and long distance races, hurdles, relays, and field events such as long jump, high jump, javelin, discus and shot put.

Over the years, the championships have drawn support from key partners including Econet, Sports Zone, Drug Free Zimbabwe and the Africa Children’s Hope Foundation, who have contributed equipment, kits- and logistical support.

According to Madanyika, the growing interest reflects how far the event has come.

“What started as a small, local initiative has now become a recognised event that athletes across Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries want to be part of,” he said. “It’s exciting to see that transformation. We’re hopeful this year will attract even more talent, and we’re calling on sponsors and the community to rally behind it, because this is not just about sport, it’s about building futures.”

With preparations complete and anticipation rising, Saturday promises an electric mix of athletic competition, community pride, and sporting excellence at White City Stadium.