Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe will now field seven athletes at the upcoming World Athletics Cross Country Championships.
The event is due to take place on January 10 in Tallahassee, Florida, United States.
NAAZ were set to field two athletes — Godwin Katakura and Caroline Mhandu in the senior men and women, respectively — due to limited resources.
However, the two will be joined by five more athletes who got individual sponsorship to make the trip to the US.
The athletes are Tulange Mudenda, Jackson Nyamazana, Wayne Kabondo, Bradley Makuvire and Answer Brandietta Tasara.
“As usual we eat what we kill. We are open to partners and schools.
“I am happy partners came on board to support five athletes. Like we had for Nigeria, the Junior Championships, more than 30 parents came on board.
“Remember parents, schools and partners have aspirations for their kids. For example, scholarships, so they support.
“That’s positive and it’s the way to go, we want more partners to come on board,” said Tagara.
Tagara said this is an opportunity for young athletes such as Mudenda and Nyamazana to gain exposure and experience.
Mudenda will compete in the Junior Women 6km and Nyamazana is going for the Junior Men 8km.
However, the NAAZ president challenged the senior athletes, which include the national champions — Katakura and Mhandu — to give a good fight at the world stage.
“They will enjoy it first, then experience they will get.
“Seniors are not going for experience they must fight for recognition, that is why we set standards for cross country and they did not meet them, hence sending the representation team.
“They must go there, fight and be in a good place for the bigger picture,” said Tagara.
Mudenda finished third at the National Cross Country Championships in November with a time of 25 minutes 58.84 seconds in the women’s 6km race.
While Nyamazana crossed the finish line in second place in 29 minutes 38.62 seconds in the junior men’s 8km.
Team:
Men 10km: Godwin Katakura, Wayne Kabondo, Bradley Makuvire.
Women’s 10km: Caroline Mhandu, Answer Brandietta Tasara.
Junior Men 8 km: Jackson Nyamazana.
Junior Women 6km: Tulange Mudenda
Team Manager: Cynthia Phiri.
