THE National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) has embarked on a nationwide programme to develop athletics coaches and officials ahead of the 2026 athletics season.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to produce well-rounded athletes who will uphold the country’s high sporting standards in the coming years.
NAAZ president Tendayi Tagara informed NewsDay Sport that the association is decentralising its courses to reach marginalised communities and reduce the financial burden on participants.
By moving international courses to Chipinge, Hwange, Gwanda, Bindura and Marondera, the association aims to cut costs and travel distances, making it easier for local personnel to access world-class training.
Tagara noted that the association expects the new intake of trainees to represent a diverse range of sectors, including primary and secondary schools, the prison service, the army, as well as universities and colleges.
Since athletics in Zimbabwe is deeply rooted in the school system, NAAZ has strategically timed the commencement of training for mid-January.
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“We have scheduled most of our courses for the second half of January to ensure they align with the school athletics calendar, where the majority of our youth and junior talent is based,” Tagara explained.
The push for new coaches has been driven by a demanding 2026 competitive calendar, which includes several high-profile events both locally and abroad.
According to Tagara, Zimbabwe is bracing for a series of major international fixtures this year.
These include the Southern Region Junior Championships in Mauritius and Lesotho, the World Athletics U20 Championships, and the Africa Senior Athletics Championships set to take place in Ghana.