NEWLY elected National Athletic Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) president Tendai Tagara has vowed to shrug off the “puppet” tag and turn around the fortunes of athletics in the country.
REPORT BY ALBERT MARUFU
Tagara, who for long has been viewed as his predecessor Joseph Mungwari’s blue-eyed boy, said everyone’s hands should be on the deck to steer the ship.
The veteran athletics coach beat Njere Shumba in an election in which Mungwari did not seek re-election due to ill health and old age after more than a decade in power.
Other members of the new executive are first vice-president Elias Nhoro, second vice-president Pretty Ncube while former second vice president Cynthia Phiri is the secretary general.
Tagara, who was elected in an environment in which some observers say was predetermined, said athletics enthusiasts should brace themselves for a change in the way the sport is run.
“Definitely, there is going to be change in the way the association will be run because this is a new executive. I am my own man and people should expect a change in the way the sport is run. It is true that I was discovered as a good coach by Mungwari and Robert Mutsauki, but I have my own way of seeing issues. Athletics is dying and we need to revive it,” said Tagara.
“A lot needs to be done if we are to succeed. We have to meet the police and Zimbabwe Prisons Services (ZPS) because they have the resources and facilities to train athletes. I am glad that ZPS is employing young athletes as it will help in the development of the sport.”
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Tagara said his first task would be to cement the relationship Naaz has with National Association of Primary School Heads (Naph), and the National Association of Secondary School Heads (Nash), who he said were strategic in talent identification.
“Naph and Nash are critical institutions in the development of athletics in the country. We have to keep in touch with their programmes on a daily basis,” he said.
Tagara said there was a greater need to lure back sponsors into the sport if it was going to develop.
“What is the reason for giving US$100 000 to athletics in an Olympic year? We are saying sponsors should give out that money now so that we prepare for the next Olympic Games.
“The future of our sport also lies in the revival of the Chamber of Mines races.
“Currently the mining sector is improving and that boosts our athletics base too.
“So we are saying the bosses out there should consider reviving the Chamber of Mines competitions.
“When the Chamber of Mines used to be held, more than 10 mines competed in various disciplines and this helped in tapping talent,” said Tagara.
His predecessor, Mungwari (65) said: “I am now an old man and very soon will undergo a major operation on my back that would leave me bound to the wheelchair for some time. Being president of Naaz is not an easy thing and I just wish the new office bearers all the best.”
