Zim’s athletes for US

States yesterday, high in confidence, ahead of their participation in the Penn Relays in Philadelphia.
The week-long competition started on Monday but Zimbabwe’s athletes will only take to the field tomorrow and compete until Saturday.
The team travelled in two batches, with the first left on Sunday, while the other nine, including captain Zuva Bvekerwa, followed yesterday.
The athletes will compete in long jump, high jump, hurdles, triple jump, 4x400m relay, 4x100m and 100m events.
WWS group administrator, Melanie Mostert, said the competition was a platform for the athletes to get international exposure and scholarships to pursue their dreams.
“This is the fourth time in a row we are having our athletes taking part in the Penn Relays.
“There are representing Zimbabwe and Africa as we are the only African country to compete at the event.
“We are hoping our kids will get noticed and be considered for scholarship opportunities and exposure to run in international events.
“We expect a couple of titles from the athletes,” said Mostert.
Speaking before their departure, team captain, Bvekerwa expressed confidence in his team-mates ahead of the competition.
“This is a very strong team especially in the individual events because everyone in the team is the best in their events.
“I will be doing the 100m event together with Tinashe (Mutanga).
“I have been to more than 10 international events including the World Junior Championships and this is my fourth time competing in the Penn relays and I have confidence with my team-mates.
“For me I know what to expect. The last time we competed in the 4x400m relay we came second,” said Bvekerwa.
The 18-year-old will also take part in the 4x400m and 4x100m relays.
Up-and-coming sprinter Tinashe Mutanga who will be taking part in the 4x400m, 4x100m and the 100m events, said he wad ready for the competition.
“This is my first event outside Zimbabwe this year and I hope to get the best results.
“I will try and not put pressure on myself. I think if I keep on working hard and trust the Lord I have a great future,” said Mutanga.
The 18-year-old wrote his own piece of history last year when he won two gold medals in the 100m amd 200m events at the inaugural African Youth Games held in Morocco in July.
He went on to compete in the first Youth Olympic Games held in Singapore in August and finished sixth in the 100m finals.
The other members of the team are Takudzwa Mhlanga, Mitchelle Murinyu, Tashinga Chitambira, Tawanda Washaya, Tatenda Tsumba, Netsai Sabau, Damian Mathews, Cathrine Makaya, Kuziva Benzi, Kudzanai Gondora, Nyasha Gotora and Michelle Madzima who is the youngest athlete in the team.
Over 4 000 athletes from High Schools, professional teams and clubs compete in the Penn Relays every year and they have a chance to meet and watch World Champions and Olympic medallists.