Zim gears for Cossasa

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE will be hoping to regain their dominance at the Confederation of Schools Sport Associations of Southern Africa Athletics Championships when they compete at this year’s edition in Eswatini next month. The regional event is scheduled for May 2 to 6 and Zimbabwe, who were second behind Namibia last year, are seeking to bounce back to the top.

Nash head-in-charge of athletics Philip Chikomwe says they have put in place a strong team of 55 athletes and Naph have 45 athletes to make up a team of 100 in total.

The teams were finalised at the Nash and Naph competition held in Gweru recently.

They will meet in Bulawayo for camp towards the end of this month just before their departure.

“We have asked provinces to continue training these athletes and they will report for camp on the 24th of April. Some of our athletes are experienced athletes, we travelled with them to Botswana (for Cossasa) last year with the exception of a few Under-15s.

“We are expecting that we will come first this time around. I think we have a seasoned team,” said Chikomwe.

The Nash head in charge of athletics said the regional meet presents the young athletes with a platform for exposure and are pleased to note that some of them have gone on to represent the country in other major competitions.

“A number of our athletes are joining the senior age-groups. We have the likes of Vimbai Maisvoreva, Dorothy Kavumbura, Norman Mukwada and Dickson Kapandura. All these are coming from developmental level. So we are doing our part grooming future athletes for Zimbabwe,” said Chikomwe.

National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe vice-president Enias Nhoro said they have over the years witnessed continuous improvement from local teams at this level.

“We would have loved not to have less than 10 days in camp, although I know particularly this year resources will not permit.

“So if we could be assisted by the corporates, we would be grateful.

“From 2012, when we came in for the Cossasa we have continuously improved.

“Each year, we are getting an increased number of medals. Last year, we did the same. But this year, we even have stronger athletes.

“Realistically, the target is we must maintain our top position, that’s our wish . . . we will try our level best so that we regain our first position,” said Nhoro.

Zimbabwe have won the championships four times, including in 2017 when they hosted the regional meet in Harare with Botswana, Malawi and Namibia taking part.