Selukwe pupil strikes gold in Bots

A 13-YEAR-OLD pupil from Selukwe Primary School in Shurugwi, Anotida Tsvangira, raised the country’s flag high at the just-ended Confederation of School Sport Associations of Southern Africa (Cossasa) track and field games in Botswana after winning two gold medals, a bronze and silver.

The Cossasa games were held in Francistown.

The ecstatic Anotida who hails from the dusty streets of Mambowa suburb in Shurugwi, said he never dreamt that he would represent Zimbabwe at the prestigious Cossasa games.

“I felt very honoured when l was chosen to represent Zimbabwe at the Cossasa games just after the National Association of Primary School Heads (NAPH competitions held at White City Stadium in Bulawayo).

“It was such a huge task and l just told myself that l needed to do it for my country and I did, returning home with two gold medals, a bronze and a silver,” he said.

Anotida said he has always enjoyed participating in athletics from a tender age.

“I have always been interested in athletics since l was young. It has always been my dream to take part in such big competitions like Cossasa and (NAPH).

“It’s a dream come true because those are good platforms for me to showcase my God given talent,” he said.

Anotida scooped two gold medals in the under 13 200m race and high jump, a silver medal in the 100m race and a bronze medal in the 4 by 200m relay.

He was awarded three trophies for being the best under 13 in high jump, best junior in long jump and for being the overall best athlete. Selukwe headmistress Ms Chiedza Madzokere said as a school they are proud of their athlete who is flying the school’s and the country’s flag high.

“As a school we are very proud of Tsvangira, he has surely put the school on the map. We take pride in the performance of our pupils and we will continue to nurture such talents.”