Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe 4x400m men’s relay team aims to spring to global acclaim when they take to the track in Guangzhou, China, this weekend. Not only will they be out to hoist the country’s flag at the World Athletics Relays, but they also want to seize the opportunity to ink their names for the 2025 World Athletics Championships set for Tokyo, Japan, in September.
This weekend’s meet in China also serves as a qualifier for the World Championships.
Team Zimbabwe includes Dennis Hove, Gerren Muwishi, Leeford Zuze, and Aldren Tafa. They qualified for the prestigious event at the Lefika International Relays held in Francistown, Botswana, on 29 March and have been conditioning themselves over the past month to be in shape for the showpiece.
That this is the first time Zimbabwe will be represented at this event in six years is a source of inspiration for the team, who have promised to throw some neat punches. Zimbabwe was last represented at the same event by the men’s 4x100m relay team back in 2019.
Muwishi said the team was geared up for the challenge in China.
“I am very excited, and so is each and every member of the team. We know it will not be an easy task to challenge for the honours or anything, but we will certainly try our best to make all of you proud.
“Every member of the group is mentally wired for the high level of competition we are entering. We know this is the world stage and obviously it will be very tough. We pulled some really good strings in qualifying for the event and we are going to do exactly the same, if not better, to make an impact. We promise to make all of you in Zimbabwe proud,” said Muwishi.
Zuze hailed the mentality within the group.
“I think attitude, more than anything else, made us qualify for this event in the first place. It’s very encouraging to see everyone in our group always talking positively. The mentality can carry the day for us. I am impressed,” said Zuze.
Tafa concurred, saying, “It’s always good to get an opportunity to represent the country at this level of competition. We are looking forward to the World Relays with a very positive mind. We will give it our best.”
Hove echoed his teammates’ sentiments.
Sports and Recreation Commission director-general Eltah Nengomasha, who was on hand to see the team off, hailed the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) and challenged the athletes to be good ambassadors.
“You’re one of the primary sport codes in Zimbabwe. We’ve checked your performance and we’ve seen the consistency in your performances at regional level and even nationally you’re one of the few associations that hold junior championships and have a strong development programme,” said Nengomasha.
Naaz president Tendai Tagara implored the athletes to aim higher.
“This is an opportunity to showcase your talent at a global level. Everyone should aim to do their best and we are very proud to have you representing the country,” said Tagara.
