adminThe competition will run from Thursday to Sunday with athletes below the age of 18 expected to compete in track and field events.
The team is expected to leave for Nigeria this afternoon. Zimbabwe is fielding an 11-member team made up of seven boys — Eric Muleya, Brian Chisakadza, Robin Chitsato,
Tafadzwa Munyawarara, Munyaradzi Rutsate, Tinashe Muchena and Brian Mhuriyengwe while the girls’ team consists of Yvonne Thomas, Rutendo Kanda, Ruvarashe Muzinde and Yvonne Vanhuvaone.
Muringani and Phakamile Lisimati, who was recently appointed the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe director of coaching and talent identification, are accompanying the team. Muringani said their main concern was for the athletes to make the qualifying times for the World Championships set for July in Ukraine.
“It’s actually difficult to have any expectations because this is the inaugural event, it’s the first time the championships are being held. There are no records that have been set and we don’t even know how other countries have been performing.
“However, we are not putting our athletes under pressure. We just want them to acquit themselves well, put a sterling performance and do their best times to qualify for the World Championships in Ukraine. If we win medals it will be a bonus. The team comprises mostly of 16-year-olds, which forms the backbone for the Youth Olympic Games next year in China,” said Muringani.
Muringani said preparations have been going on well and most of the athletes have been competing in various schools competition that were being held in the past few months and are ready for the continental event.
Online Reporter