Zimbabwean team for Africa Junior Championships in camp

OLYMPIAN Cuthbert Nyasango has been roped as one of the eight coaches presently working with the athletes who will represent the country at the Africa Junior Championship set for Zambia from April 29 to May 3.

The celebrated former long distance runner alongside Tawanda Matunhu are the middle and long distance trainers, with Erick Wela, Faith Dube and Aaron Whyte in charge of sprints while Shadreck Chatunga and McGregor Manhuwa are respective jumps and throws coaches.

National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) head coach for junior and youth teams Briad Nhubu leads the technical team that is leading preparations for the African Under-18 and Under-20 combined championships.

A team of 30 juniors (Under-18) and 26 youths (Under-20) who were shortlisted at Naaz organised competitions checked in for camp at Allan Wilson and Queen Elizabeth High Schools in Harare on Saturday.

Some of the athletes include Under-18 women sprinters Hayley Chingono, Nyasha Datawa, Shallom Sendi and Anesu Nyahuma. Bwetelezi Munsaka from Matabeleland North and Brenda Njodzi of Harare are preparing for the 800m races in women’s Under-18s.

Some of the boys’ Under-18s in camp are sprinters Trevor Tauyah, Cryson Kanerubwe, Trey Chimunya, Alpha Mpofu and Calvin Gezani.

Nhubu was happy with the team’s preparations.

“So far so good, in terms of the preparations I’m pleased with the level of preparedness. “Accommodation is quite good, training facilities and transport all are in place. These provisions are facilitating smooth flow of our sessions. Meals are being served at convenient times and it’s of good quality.

“Hats off to our Naaz leadership and the Government for availing resources to enable us to prepare for the championship.

“I’m also happy because frantic efforts are being taken to ensure that things happen according to standard. What is also pleasing is that athletes have reported for camp resoundingly. The athletes and coaches are in high morale, so as the head coach, I’m very excited to see these positive developments,” said Nhubu.

Team Zimbabwe is expected to leave for Zambia either on Wednesday or Thursday.

Some of the athletes who’ve qualified for the Zambia meet include David Nyamufarira, Denzel Simusialela, Privilege Bower and Panashe Nhenga.

Nyamufarira, Simusialela, Bower and Nhenga made the grade in 100m and 200m events for the juniors’ competition.
Simusialela and Nhenga have previously represented the country in major competitions.

Simusialela was part of the 4x100m men’s relay team that won a bronze medal at the African Senior Championships in Mauritius last year in June while Nhenga competed in the 200m event at the same meet.

They both went on to represent the country at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Colombia, with Simusialela competing in 200m while Nhenga represented the country in the 100m event. — @ZililoR