Youth Olympics Games squad shortlisted

Sport
THE National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe has shortlisted a strong 17-member track and field squad to represent the country at the Youth Olympic Games slated for China in August this year.

THE National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) has shortlisted a strong 17-member track and field squad to represent the country at the Youth Olympic Games slated for China in August this year.

BY KENNETH NYANGANI

The nine boys and eight girls will however have to go through a qualification process in Botswana at the Africa Youth Olympics in May. The team was presented to the Zimbabwe Olympic committee recently and they are set to announce the number of slots they will offer to the country’s athletics body.

In an interview with Standardsport, coach Briad Nhubu said he had confidence in the team he had assembled ahead of the prestigious tournament.

“We have shortlisted 17 athletes ahead of the Youth Olympics in China. But they will have to go through a qualification process in Botswana at the Africa Youth Olympics. Our main target will be the long distance categories because Africa has been offered many slots,” he said.

“For instance in the 100m category Africa will only be given one slot in both male and female categories. But in the 3 000m, Africa has been given 11 slots so it will be an added advantage.”

Naaz president Tendai Tagara said the team was expected to hold two camps per month.

“Generally, I believe that they have assembled a good team. Our aim is to perform better at the games. They are going to have two camps per month in Harare and Bulawayo,” he said.

Girls team Enlita Ncube 3000m, Shylet Chaora 800m, Yvonne Vanhuvaone 400m, Maryjoy Mudyavanji 1 500m, Tapiwa Chitsanga shot put, Nomagugu Ndlovu triple jump, Niama Dube 100m and 200m, Muchaneta Luka, long jump.

Boys team Titus Nyathi 3 000m, Joseph Kungaruna 1 500m, Tinashe Gambe 800m, Tapera Tinotenda 100m, Tawanda Tembo 400m, Tafadzwa Mutariswa 100m and 200m, Robin Chitsato 100m and 200m, Munyaradzi Rutsate 100m and 200m, Shingirai Dlahuyo long jump and 100m.

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