Athletics season takes off

Patience Muchemwa

Senior Reporter

Harare Athletics Board kicked off the 2024/25 season with a bang, hosting the highly anticipated Track and Field Season Opener Championship at the University of Zimbabwe grounds on Sunday. The event brought together athletes from all categories, from cadets to seniors, in a thrilling display of speed, agility, and endurance.

In an exclusive interview with Zim Now, Harare Athletics Board Chairperson, Cousinet Simunyu, emphasized the significance of the event in preparing athletes for the upcoming season. "This event is a crucial part of our preparation for the 2024/25 season, where we aim to assess if our athletes are truly ready for what lies ahead," Simunyu said.

The season opener allowed athletes to test their fitness levels and fine-tune their skills ahead of the upcoming season. With a large turnout from athletes across all provinces, the event was a clear demonstration of the growing interest and commitment to athletics in Zimbabwe.

"It gives both athletes and coaches an invaluable chance to assess their performance, reflect on what needs improvement, and understand whether they need to push themselves further," Simunyu added.

The competition featured several notable athletes, including Valentine Datawa, Brenda Njodzi, Takudzwa Nyanhanga, Ngoni Makusha, Leeford Zuze, Dickson Kamungeremu, Gerren Muwishi, and Mitchell Zuze, among others. Their presence added a competitive edge to the event, inspiring younger athletes to aim higher.

One of the standout performances of the day came from Gerren Muwishi of MWC Sports, who claimed victory in the senior men's 300m. Muwishi noted that the event provided valuable insight into areas that needed improvement.

"It's a bit early in the season, but Sunday's performances from my team and I are a testament to the hard work we've been putting in. The race helped us identify weak spots that we need to work on," Muwishi said.

Kudzanai Chiborise, the four-time 800m national champion from Yadah Athletics Club, also reflected positively on the event despite not securing a win.

"This event is a great opportunity to identify where I'm still lacking before the major competitions. I'm happy to have gained a clearer understanding of the areas I need to improve," Chiborise shared.

Overall, the Harare Athletics Board's Season Opener Championship proved to be an important milestone for both athletes and coaches, offering them a chance to assess their progress and prepare for the demanding season ahead. With a focus on grassroots development and a commitment to excellence, the competition provided a strong foundation for what promises to be an exciting and competitive 2024/25 athletics season.