THE ZIMBABWE athletics team, which is one of the sport codes travelling to Botswana for the Africa Youth Games, is banking on Enlitah Ncube to bring medals as she prepares for the World Junior Championships to be held in the United States in July. SUKOLUHLE MTHETHWA SPORTS REPORTER
Sixty-one athletes and 22 officials will represent the country in the games will run from Thursday to May 31.
Athletics team official Brian Nhubu said Ncube had been doing very well in regional competitions recently and was in top form.
Part of the team leaves for Botswana this morning with the rest expected to leave on Thursday.
“We expect a good performance from our athletics team because there are the World Youth Olympics that are coming up. As a country we have high hopes in middle and long distance athletes. We have Enlitah Ncube. She has been doing very well in regional competitions.
Recently, she won two gold medals in Botswana in the 1 500m race. She qualified for the World Junior Championships to be held in America in July.
“She also did well in a the 3 000m race in Potchefstroom in South Africa two weeks ago. She won gold medals in the 800m and 3 000m races,” he said.
“Another athlete to look out for is Maryjoy Mudyiravanji. She has been doing well despite narrowly missing qualification for the World Junior championships. She got a time of four minutes 34 seconds in the 1 500m race. Titus Nyathi has also been in good form despite that he was overpowered in Botswana and in Potchefstroom coming second recently,” he said.
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Chef de mission for the Games Addison Chiware said the Zimbabwe athletes should pose a strong challenge against other countries in the competition.
“I expect the teams to do their best. They should aspire to beat the national records. I would like to thank the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee for their diligent work and for ensuring that only the best athletes and managers represent the country in the games. The national sport associations have also done well in ensuring that there are vibrant structures.
“Forty-six athletes are leaving tomorrow morning (this morning), while some will leave on the 22nd (Thursday). Athletes who are preparing for their school examinations will join us on Thursday,” he said.
Chiware expressed gratitude to their main sponsors CBZ Bank and other stakeholders who have come on board in support of the games.
TEAM:
Aquatics: Brown Roxanne, Idensohn Chad, Lawson Natasha, Lee Robyn, Mutangadura Ratidzo, Onorati Aidan, Onorati Chase, Wetzlar Peter Officials: Crause Sheelah, Takaedza Masi.
Athletics: Chetsanga Tapiwa, Chitsato Robin, Niama Dube, Gambe Tinashe, Mudyiravanji Mary Joy, Munyawarara Tafadzwa, Ncube Enlitha, Ndlovu Nomagugu, Nyati Titus, Tapera Samuel, Tembo Tawanda, Vanhuvaone Yvonne
Officials: Nhubu Brian, Tarakino Precious
Golf: Krog Stuart Official: Murungweni Shorai Judo: Muparo Blessing Official: Mashayi Simba Karate: Banda Elizabeth, Mandengenda Naomi, Ntini Innocent Officials: Bunu Victor, Nyanhete Winston Rowing: Freeman Dexter, Mandibaya Hillary
Official: Cunha Mario
Tennis: Dzenga Nicole, Lock Courtney Official: Nyamunokora Freeman.
Triathlon: Benade Gideon, Davidson Skye, Rendell Serena, Williams Drew
Official: Davidson Wayne
Rugby: Gambiza Charles, Katsvere Shingirai, Makoni Jeff, Matoramusha Tatenda, Mazambani Munyaradzi ,Moses Tristan, Mudzengerere Ernest, Ndoro Kudakwashe, Pritchard Connor, Snater Shane, Theofilatos Adam , Ushewokunze Matthew
Officials: Hondo Daniel, Made Sifiso
Netball: Bwanali Sharon, Chiwenga Chido, Dani Haji Salma, Makhalima Nomagugu, Marara Melissa, Mawira Takudzwa, Mpanduki Fiona, Muhwira Ropafadzo, Mukwadi Mercy, Mutambu Lisa, Muzanenamo Michelle, Tanhira Lynette
Officials: Chipandu Letitia, Mutsauki Ropafadzo
