Zimbabwean athletics has entered a renewed era of promise, powered by speed, discipline, and growing national confidence on the international stage.
Competing at Gaborone National Stadium in Botswana, Zimbabwe’s men’s 4x400m relay team shattered a national record that had stood for nearly three decades, delivering one of the country’s most significant track achievements in recent years.
The quartet of Leeford Zuze, Thandazani Ndlovu, Dennis Hove, and captain Gerren Muwishi clocked a historic performance at the Lefika International Relays, breaking the long-standing national record of 3:00.77 set in 1997.
The team’s run was defined by precision baton exchanges, disciplined pacing, and collective determination, reflecting months of preparation and a shared belief in rewriting Zimbabwe’s sprinting history.
Beyond the record, the performance secured Zimbabwe’s qualification for the World Athletics Relays scheduled for May 2 and 3, also to be held in Gaborone. The team now returns to the same track carrying momentum and heightened expectations.
A standout element of the achievement was Muwishi’s leadership. Serving both as team captain and coach during the tour, he balanced competition and mentorship — a rare dual responsibility that underscores his influence within Zimbabwean athletics.
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At home, he coaches Zuze and holds a World Athletics Level II certification in sprints and hurdles, reflecting a broader commitment to developing future talent.
Reflecting on the historic race, Muwishi said the achievement was the result of sustained belief and teamwork.
“We've been talking about this since last year. We were determined to get a second chance because we felt we didn’t perform at our best before. The boys have been putting in extra effort to bring out the best in each other. We stayed in touch and motivated one another along the way, and today we achieved the time we wanted,” he said.
He added that the team will take a brief recovery period after weeks of travel before resuming preparations for the global competition.
Zuze, who ran the second leg, described the moment as deeply rewarding.
“Breaking the record is an incredible feeling, and I’m proud of what our team has achieved. We push each other every step of the way, and it shows what teamwork and determination can do. This motivates us even more as we now focus on the World Athletics Relays. We know there’s still work to do, and we’re ready for the challenge.”
The record-breaking performance signals renewed optimism for Zimbabwe’s relay programme, suggesting that a new generation of sprinters is ready to compete — and contend — on the world stage.
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