Mutsetse upbeat ahead of training programme
PROMISING 800m runner Nyasha Mutsetse believes his upcoming threemonth training programme in Botswana is going to be key in turning his ambitions into a reality.
Mutsetse is one of the few promising athletes targeted by the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe for qualification to the IAAF World Championships this August in London and for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
The Rusape-based athlete is expected to spend three months in Botswana training under the guidance of Mogomotsi Otsetswe, who guided Nijel Amos to a silver medal in the 800m event at the 2012 Olympic Games.
Mutsetse said he is excited to get the opportunity to work on improving his chances of qualifying for major international competitions.
“I feel great because that was my wish and dream to train with athletes from that side because some of the programmes there might help me improve myself and on qualifying for bigger events.
“I think this is my opportunity to qualify for the World Championships because they have some fast athletes who can push me.
“I can say so because if you look on my event, there are some athletes like Nijel Amos and Boitumelo Masilo (from Botswana), we used to compete together but the last time we met he beat me in the Southern Africa Region Championships.
“So I am very happy that I have been afforded this opportunity. They have the facilities and very competitive athletes so it can help me. Endurance, yes I am ok, but I need to work on speed,” said Mutsetse.
The 21-year-old will be in Harare this weekend for the JM Busha Track and Field Championships first leg at the National Sports Stadium.
“I should compete because this year I have not yet had any competition, it should be my first and there are some things I need assesements which I have been working on at training,” said Mutsetse.
Mutsetse took part in the 2013 World Youth Championships in Ukraine and in 2016 he was selected to represent the country in the Africa Senior Championships in Durban where he reached the finals but missed qualification for the Olympic Games.
His local coach, Briad Nhubu, is convinced the training in Botswana will play a crucial role for Mutsetse to make it to the next level.
“I think if those aspects are improved he can improve his time and can qualify for the World Championships in London.
“NAAZ organised for him to go to Botswana to compete with other athletes competing in world events. We feel with that exposure and change of coaching tips that can help him qualify. I have high hopes, he should qualify.