The National Association of Athletics Administrations of Zimbabwe has announced an 11-member strong team to represent the country at this month’s Africa Senior Championships, slated for Douala City in Cameroon from June 21 to 26.
The team includes locally- and US-based athletes, all keen to make a mark at the continental event in order to book spots for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Credit: The Herald
Coach Mavhuto Tumba, who is at times training a few of the team members at Yadah Athletics Club, professed confidence in this team.
“These are athletes who have what it takes to deliver against the best in Africa,” he said.
“Their times are very near to the Olympic qualification standards, and I believe they can make it,” he added.
Others in the squad are Tadiwanashe Makarawu, Takudzwa Donald Chiyangwa, Ashley Kamangirira, Chengetayi Mapaya, Ngoni Makusha, Gerren Muwishi, Dennis Hove, Vimbayi Maisvoreva, Tafadzwa Chikomba, Dickson Kamungeremu, and Elizabeth Msipa.
While some of the athletes have been to the African Championships before, others, like Hove, will make their maiden appearance.
The Africa Senior Championships serve as a qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympics, and NAAZ is expecting an increase in the number of athletes that will represent the country at the global event.
So far, marathon runners Isaac Mpofu and Rutendo Nyahora, as well as sprinters Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Makanakaishe Charamba, have booked their places.
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The team is expected to face stiff competition from other African nations, but Tumba remains optimistic.
“We have a good mix of experienced and young athletes, and I believe we can produce some podium performances,” he said.
The Zimbabwe 4x100m relay team won a bronze medal at the previous championships of the Africa Championships, and the NAAZ is looking to continue from there.
