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Ellina Mhlanga in NDOLA, Zambia
ZIMBABWE’S athletes at the Confederation of African Athletics Under-18 and Under-20 Championships are fancying their chances as the competition roars into life today at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia.
The National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe are fielding a team of 50 athletes in the Under-18 (youth) and Under-20 (junior) competitions.
The official opening for the meet was held yesterday with President Hakainde Hichilema gracing the occasion.
Competition begins today.
Among the leading junior athletes is Panashe Nhenga, set to compete in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay, and he is confident of positive results.
“So personally, when I go into these competitions it’s all about experience at times. So with the experience I have got from World Juniors, Africa Senior Championships and those other big competitions, I think I will be able to produce something out there.
“And it’s all about executing when it matters. So, I always work every time and now when I am going to these high competitions, I have to lower the pressure, just relax and just run my own race,” said Nhenga.
Nhenga had a slow start to the season because of a hamstring injury but has since recovered and is happy with his performance of late. He has also been motivating the youth athletes ahead of the competition.
“With the preparation, I have been doing well, I have been trying every time but I had a small issue earlier this season, I started slow with an injury. But now I am getting it back, I am getting in good form right now.
“When I recovered, I had some few competitions and I was dominating in those competitions, and I was running some good times. So, I feel like I am now in a good place.
“So I am expecting something good and even as an experienced athlete I always talk to these youth athletes, motivate them that I have been there. I was a youth last year but I made it to the World Juniors when I was still just 17 and I made it to the African Seniors, things like that.
“So I always motivate these guys that no matter how old you are, no matter how small you are, just be you, run your own race and you are going to be fine. I always motivate these guys because it matters, Team Zimbabwe will always want to bring medals back home as a family,” said Nhenga. In the Under-20 women, the likes of Priviledge Bower have also had a promising season and she is looking forward to improving her times when she takes to the track in the 100m and 200m events.
“I started training last year with coach Faith (Dube). I think I am in pretty good shape right now because I have been training as hard as I can. So, my expectation is to try and run fast times even if I don’t get to the podium, just have fast times for Zimbabwe Under-20.
“I am a little bit nervous but I think I am good as long as I have motivation that I am also doing this for my country,” said Bower.
The team travelled in batches with the first batch arriving here on Thursday.
The other group arrived yesterday morning due to delays on their departure from Lusaka to Ndola and there was a mix up on the accommodation venue on their arrival in Ndola before it was sorted out.
The Zimbabwe delegation is led by NAAZ head coach for junior and youth teams Briad Nhubu.
“The delay and the mix up of travelling, venue of accommodation and all these delays of course impacted in terms of fatigue. I think most of the athletes are tired, they did not have time to rest.
“Nevertheless we think we will have to work on their mental strength so that they will be prepared for those that will participate tomorrow and looking at the way we had prepared and the way they are looking
Online Reporter
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