Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga in ABEOKUTA, Nigeria
THE Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Under-18/Under-20 Championships came to a close on Sunday with Zimbabwe picking a total of five medals at the competition.
The five-day meet that caters for youth and juniors held at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, attracted over 40 countries.
Zimbabwe got one gold, three silver and one bronze. Takunda Mutizwa clinched Zimbabwe’s only gold medal in the Under-18 men’s triple jump with a 14.96m leap while Tatenda Chindowa claimed silver in the Under-18 men’s high jump with a 2.03m jump.
The Under-20 men relay team made up of Trevor Tauyah, Trey Chimunya, Takomborerwa Muza and Methembe Tshuma got the other silver.
The 4x400m mixed relay team consisting of Derick Matutu, Nataly Shoko, Nenyasha Chihora and Anesu Nyahuma settled for bronze.
South Africa-based Elvis Hwata had a positive outing when he bagged a silver medal in pole vault Under-20 men with a 4.30m jump on the last day of competition.
“I expected a bit more honestly but I am happy with the new season best. I am not too fussed about it but I really hoped that I could get higher achievement.
“Honestly the guys I jumped with they really jumped high. At some point I was really thinking but then I just started praying and honestly, I believe my abilities,” said Hwata.
Zimbabwe could have gotten another bronze medal in the Under-20 women 4x400m relay but were disqualified for exchange zone infringement.
It was the same story for the Under-20 men’s relay team.
The likes of 16-year-old Ropafadzo Mzondo, were among those that managed to go beyond the first round.
He reached the Under-18 men 400m and 200m finals.
“I think this was a good experience for me and my peers and I think we did our best although I know I could have done better.
“I could have gotten a new PB but I think overall, this was a good experience,” said Mzondo.
Leeroy Chishaya was fourth in the Under-18 men triple jump with a 14.82m leap.
Kimberly Kachambwa, returning to this competition for the second time, admitted the competition was intense this time around after placing 7th with a 39.56m throw in discus.
She was one of the athletes that got a medal in 2023 competing in the Under-18 age group.
“This time the competition was a little bit different from the Under-18 in 2023.
“It was a bit tough because now we are competing with people who went to the World Junior Championships and who have been going for Commonwealth.
“But through all that I was able to learn the different techniques and how people do it. I now know what I am going to do further ahead of other competitions to come,” said Kachambwa. One of the coaches travelling with the team, Silas Muringani said he is satisfied with the outcome although there is room for improvement.
“Personally, I believe Zimbabwe performed well especially with the Under-20 and Under-18 boys. “Performance for me is not just judged by the number of medals amassed but we look at the times, the distances and the heights scored by the athletes.
“Our athletes getting five medals at this grand stage in Africa, it’s actually some good performance from them . . . I want to believe that actually we can do better in terms of medal haul but the five are just a reflection of what we have in-putted as a nation,” said Muringani.
Zimbabwe had over 40 athletes at the championships.
