Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz)believes enough has been done to ensure a successful 2025 Southern Africa Region Track and Field event.
The event takes place in Harare on Saturday and Sunday.
Several countries from the region including guests Nigeria, will throng the University of Zimbabwe track to take part in this year’s regional competition.
The event will see 10 Southern African countries exhibiting their best and most promising athletes.
Top athletes Makanakaishe Charamba, Akani Simbine, Tebogo Letsile, and Chengetai Mapaya will not be part of the proceedings as they are competing on the professional circuit.
Also missing will be Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Vimbai Maisvoreva, Zimbabwe’s prime sprinters, who are in the US preparing for the September World Championships.
At the University of Zimbabwe, security and safety measures have been reinforced, with institutional and private security teams in place, working in tandem with ZRP.
Signage, branding and logistics around the competition area have been worked on as part of the last minute preparations.
Naaz are keen on giving the venue a festive and welcoming ambience befitting the regional spectacle.
The association has also moved in to ensure ablution facilities and athlete areas will be brought up to a level that meets international standards.
Speaking after an inspection tour, Naaz vice president Siphathisiwe Machaya, expressed confidence in Zimbabwe’s state of readiness.
“We are proud of the tremendous progress made at the University of Zimbabwe. This venue is transforming into a true centrepiece for regional sport. As Zimbabwe, we are hosting a championship — we are hosting the region, and we are doing so with heart, excellence and an unwavering commitment to raising the flag of Southern Africa,” said Machaya.
She said the games were about unity and promised that Zimbabwe would run the event professionally.
She said ahead of the event there had been smooth collaboration between several bodies to ensure Zimbabwe delivers a great event.
“The collaboration between government, sport leadership, and the UZ community has been inspiring. We are ready to welcome the region.
“The University of Zimbabwe Sports Complex has been abuzz with final preparations — painting a highly encouraging picture of readiness, determination and national pride.
“Thanks to tireless collaboration between the Ministry of Sport, the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), Naaz and the University of Zimbabwe, the venue is undergoing its final touches to ensure a world-class experience for athletes, officials, dignitaries and spectators from across the Southern African Region,” she said.
The turf has been manicured and waste management services deployed while track marking and lane demarcation have also been prioritised in preparing for the event.
