Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S athletics team enters camp on Wednesday, with one eye on gold and the other on a powerful Nigerian sprint pack ahead of this weekend’s Southern Region Track and Field Championships at the University of Zimbabwe.
But the hosts will have to line up without key 100m sprinters Rutendo Vushe and Daniel Magogo, who’ve been ruled out due to World University Track and Field Championships commitments.
“We have two notable withdrawals in the team. Rutendo Vushe (100m) and Daniel Magogo (100m) due to World University Competitions commitments,” said national team coach, Phakamile Lisimati.
Both were expected to feature in the relays and the 100m dash, but Lisimati insists there’s enough depth in the squad, with replacements to be confirmed before the meet.
Nigeria, competing as a guest nation, are expected to light up the track and push Zimbabwe’s finest to new limits. Their presence, especially in the sprints, jumps and relays, adds extra firepower to the competition.
“The presence of Nigeria will bring competition to our region and team,” said Lisimati. “Having Nigeria will help our athletes push harder and challenge for honours. The competition becomes very stiff as we know Nigerians are very competitive on the track.”
Zimbabwe’s team, drawn from standout performers at both junior and senior national championships, will begin final preparations in Harare from Wednesday.
ZIM
Southern
Region
Snr
Champs
Team
MEN
100m: Ngoni Makusha, Methembe Tshuma
200m: Dennis Hove
400m Hurdles: Kurai Chigumani, Wesley Mazarura
400m: Thandazani Ndlovu, Sean Nyabdza, Gerren Muwishi
800m: Ellias Chauke, Shyne Makota, Kelvin Bverekwa
5000m: Wellington Varevi, Bonani Moyo, Simiso Ndlovu
High Jump: Blessmore Sibanda, Bensin Magombe, Aleck Vhovha
Triple Jump: Bensin Magombe, Takunda Mutizwa
1500m: Wellington Varevi, Freedom Banda, Mathew Masarirevhu
10,000m: Tendai Zimuto, Bismak Lord Mathe, Lucky Munsaka
Long Jump: Panashe Mutenure, Tinaye Watunga
Relays – 4x100m: Methembe Tshuma, Ngoni Makusha
Javelin: Advocate Ndlovu, Isiah Mupfayi
Relays – 4x400m: Leeford Zuze, Dennis Hove
Discus: Takunda Mubariki, Isiah Mupfayi
Shotput: John Nyakonda, Prosper Zimbango
WOMEN
100m: Samkeliso Ndebele, Hailey Chingono
200m: Samkeliso Ndebele, PraisGod Nyamulepa
400m Hurdles: Lethubuhle Sibanda
400m: Anesu Nyahuma, Beyonce Sabubia, Clara Dangara
800m: Brenda Njodzi, Lethubuhle Sibanda, Talent Ndlovu
1500m: Martha Chipuriro, Mabambe Mudenda, Vannessa Musiyakuwa
5000m: Tulange Mudenda, Martha Chipuriro, Answer Brandieta
High Jump: Azile Tshuma, Ruvimbo Sibanda
Long Jump: Moilar Makamu, Ruvimbo Vengesai
Javelin: Stacey Nyawasha, Linda Nyamutswa
Discus: Kimberly Kachambwa
Relays – 4x100m: Elizabeth Msipa
Shotput: Lisa Moyo, Wayne Nkomo
100m Hurdles: Rejoice Dlodlo, Ruvimbo Sibanda
