Ray Bande-Senior Reporter
TWENTY FOUR participants completed a two-week World Athletics International Course Level One — the first ever international coaching course to be hosted in Mutare.
The course was held at Chancellor Junior School last Saturday.
Participants from the country’s five provinces that include Harare, Mashonaland East, Masvingo, Midlands and Manicaland took part in the high-level course.
The majority of the participants were from the host province, Manicaland.
Manicaland Athletics Boards (MAB) chairperson, Joshua Matume, commended the participants for their above average performance.
“I was impressed by the performance of the coaches. They all passed. Four qualified for the next level which will be held in Kenya. These were Mercy Muganhu, Rudo Chinoruno, Lovemore Mangwanda and Blessing Muroiwa. Muganhu was named the overall best coach.
“We hope to get the best as a province from these coaches since they have received the latest coaching skills. They are now well equipped with scientifically approved coaching skills,” said Marymount Teachers’ College lecturer.
National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) president, Tendai Tagara, who was recently given world athletics technical role, NAAZ and national director of coaching and talent identification, Listhimus Phakamile conducted the training.
Meanwhile, the Manicaland Athletics Board successfully held its first track and field competition at Tsanzaguru High School in Makoni District last Saturday.
29 athletes participated in the event.
“The number was limited in adherence to Covid-19 regulations. However, it felt so good to be able to host a competition following the relaxation of lockdown measures.
“The performance of the athletes was so impressive. They actually showed their zeal and the impetus to take on from where they left before the lockdown measures,” said Matume.
Alexander Mutsiiwa, Cephas Matasva, Lesley Mutsvuka, Panashe Saungweme, Kudakwashe Kazwi, Panashe Nhenga, Tinotenda Marara and Divine Gwatura were some of the outstanding athletes in different categories.