Zim athletes off to Kenya World champs

ZIMBABWE’S athletes for the IAAF World Under-18 Championships left the country yesterday for Kenya with the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe director-in-charge of youth, Briad Nhubu, happy with their shape.

The championships begin tomorrow in Nairobi and end on Sunday with athletes from across the world taking part in track and field events.

Zimbabwe are fielding seven athletes in track events only and five of them — Simbarashe Maketa, Tapiwa Makarawu, Vimbai Maisvoreva, Arage Mutombo and Mascline Watama — had their final work out over the weekend at the National Sports Stadium under the guidance of Nhubu.

“They are in good shape. So far they impressed in the workouts I gave them. We worked on speed, endurance and event tactics. I was also working on mental focus and psychological preparedness.

“They are all okay and it looks like they have the zeal and confidence we expect,” said Nhubu, who is the coach in charge of the team.

United States-based Alfred Chawonza is already in Kenya while Donavan Mutariswa, who is based in South Africa, will also be joining the team in Kenya.

Mutariswa and Watama recently took part in the African Junior Championships as part of their build-up to the world meet.

Zimbabwe are using the event for developmental purposes and Nhubu said they are looking at athletes posting their personal best times as well as going beyond the heats in their respective events.

Some of the athletes that have competed in the event include Tinotenda Matiyenga and Nomatter Kapfudzaruva who recently flew the country’s flag high at the African Junior championships in Algeria, winning several medals.

Matiyenga got silver and bronze medals in the 100m and 200m. He went on to scoop gold with the 4 x 400m relay team while Kapfudzaruva got bronze in the girls 400m.

The national association will be hoping the exposure and experience for the upcoming athletes will also go a long way in their development with the target being the 2020 Olympic Games.

Other officials travelling with the team include NAAZ second vice-president Christina Ncube, secretary-general Cynthia “Dalny Express” Phiri and Bulawayo Athletics Board chairperson Emmanuel Mpofu.

Team

Boys: Donavan Mutariswa (200m), Alfred Chawonza (800m), Simbarashe Maketa (medley relay), Tapiwa Makarawu (200m).

Girls: Vimbai Maisvoreva (800m), Arage Mutombo (800m), Mascline Watama (medley relay).