Story by Mthokozisi Dube
BULAWAYO is targeting to assemble a formidable athletics team that will represent the province at the NASH national finals set for Prince Edward School in Harare at the end of the month.
Five districts converged at White City stadium, the home of athletics, to select Team Bulawayo for the national finals set for Harare.
The winning athletes say the focus was not only on winning but also on improving qualifying times ahead of the national finals.
“Last year I narrowly missed a gold medal, and this time I am not leaving anything to chance. I have been preparing for these national finals, and I want to bring gold this time and position myself for international competitions,” Tawananyasha said.
“Yes, I won today, but it means I still have a lot of work to remain in shape and improve my times. I am hopeful I will do Bulawayo proud this time,” Thembelihle Ncube noted.
“I won the triple jump, but the competition was stiff. Beyond winning, I still need to work hard so that I can also win at the national finals,” Alick Vova said.
The countdown to the national meet set for March 24 to 27 continues, with Bulawayo province targeting an improved performance this time around.
“We have been preparing for the national finals since December. We want a medal to overhaul this time. Our athletes have improved their finishing times, and we have been working closely with the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe and the Bulawayo Athletics Board. This has helped our coaches improve technically, and it is translating into better performances from our athletes,” Bulawayo Province Head in charge of Athletics, Cain Ncube said.
The national athletics competition will see some of the country’s best young athletes converging at Prince Edward School. The event is also expected to attract the attention of the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe as it scouts for talent for international assignments.
