66-member squad for CAA Southern Region Champs

THE National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) has announced a 66-member squad for the Confederation of African Athletics Southern Region Championships set to run in Harare from 10 June to 11 June.

The squad consists of 34 men and 32 women with the Association confirming the event will be used a part of the country’s preparations for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Under-18 World Youth Championships in Kenya in July, the Africa Junior Champs in Algeria next month and the IAAF World Championships in London in August.

“We are expecting our athletes to perform to their best of abilities, pick as many gold medals as possible, qualify for the upcoming major events such as the World Youth, Africa Junior and, the World Championships,’’ said NAAZ director of coaching and talent identification Phakamile Lisimati.

“We also want to use this stage as a major and final preparatory initiative before the above events as well.’’

In coming up with Team Zimbabwe, Lisimati said the selection panel looked at the consistency, outstanding performances and quality times and distances produced by the athletes throughout the season.

He said the JM Busha national track and field series that concluded in Harare on Thursday was the main event for selection. Among the notable inclusion in the final team were Ngoni Makusha, Connias Mudzingwa, Selby Mukucha and Nigel Tom who represented the country at the African Senior Championships in Durban last year in July. Gabri Mgbenna, (12.23); Mitchell Zuze (12.34); Leona Musikavanhu (29.63)

Gabri Mgbenna (24.51); Leona Musikavanhu (24.63); Sukoluhle Mlalazi (25.01)

Vimbai Maisoreva (56.02); Nomatter Kapfudzaruwa (56.37); Faith Dube (56.55)

Vimbai Maisoreva (2:12,00); Maryjoy Mudyiravanji (2:16,13); Arage Mutambo (2:16,19)

Nevia Magadzo (5:00,40); Arage Mutambo Mudyiravanji (4:52,35)

Bertha Chikanga; Nevia Magadzo

Liza Mayo; Tadiwa Kanyenda

(4:50,25); Maryjoy Dorothy Kavumbura (6.02m); Vimbiso Majoni (6.25m) Dorothy Kavumbura (12.39m); Vimbiso Majoni (12.01m).

Olivia Shavi (38.31m); Tadiwa Kanyenda (36.24m); Evidence Mhari (36.20m) Olivia Shavi (42.30m); Grace Ndlovu (42.01m); Tadiwa Kanyenda (40.39m)

Ngoni Makusha (10.27); Tinotenda Mahyenga (10.50); Itai Vambe (10.42)

Dickson Kapandura (21.40); Ngoni Makusha (21.03); Tinotenda Mahyenga (21.10)

Nigel Tom (46,3); Samuel Mushongera (47.9); Connia Mudzingwa (47,8)

Nyasha Mutsetse (1.49); Samuel Mushongera (1.51); Kelvin Chiku (1.51)

Nyasha Mutsetse (3.55,0); Levison Mafuwa (3.56,19); Trust Hove (3.58,82)

Blessing Waison (14.33); Denis Gono (14.12); Trust Chidomayo (14.42)

Jacob Mugomeri Kanavhera (32.3

(31.63); Trust Chidomayo

Selby Mukucha (15.1); Panashe Majoni (15.7)

(31.72); Canisius

M Kwenda (2.08m); Tsungirayi Mashoko Mwamanyanda (2.06) Long Jump Claid Masibhera (7.22m); Tonderayi Mupandi 7.16m); Chengetayi Mapaya (7.15m) Tripple Jump Chengetayi Mapaya (15.25m); Bhekisisa Tshuma (14.68m). (2.05m); Mathew

John Nyakanda (38.59m); Rufaro Chikwaira (37,99m); Isiah Mupfayi (35,71)

Leon Fusire (53.97m); James Mulenje (53.27m); Isiah Mupfayi (51.50m)