Story by Mthokozisi Dube
ZIMBABWE has intensified preparations for the Confederation of Schools Sport Associations of Southern Africa (COSSASA) games set for Eswatini next month, after selecting teams for duty in a competition that features athletes from primary and secondary schools.
National Association of Secondary Heads president, Cephas Mutumhe, said preparations are now at an advanced stage, with a bonding camp set from August 18 ahead of their departure to Eswatini on August 22.
“We are in the process of finalising the selection of our teams. Most of our team players have been selected, save for volleyball, whose athletes are going to be selected this week in Masvingo. The sports codes that are on offer are athletics, football, netball, basketball, and volleyball.
“The intention for this year is that we take the Under 18 who we think are at the verge of leaving high school, and due to limited financial constraints, we can’t take the two age groups. We believe the Under 16 still have another opportunity to participate in the games. Our intention is to take athletics, but our greatest challenge is financial resources, and that’s why we have opted to zero in on the Under 18 age group,” he said.
The COSSASA games will erupt in Eswatini from August 23 to 28.
Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa, and host Eswatini have confirmed participation in a competition set to be hosted at Somhlolo and at the OlympAfrica in Lobamba.
