mbulelo smpofu
Innocent Kurira, innocent.kurira@chronicle.co.zw
REIGNING Bulawayo Athletics Board Female Athlete of the Year, Tulange Mudenda, stole the show at the Bulawayo Metropolitan Cross-Country Championships, held at Nketa Drive Park in Mpopoma.
The 16-year-old dominated the junior women’s 6km category, finishing in an impressive 23 minutes 26,61 seconds.
Mudenda’s goal was to achieve a qualifying time of 24 minutes to secure a spot in the inter-provincial championships, set to take place in Harare next month.
Her outstanding performance not only exceeded her expectations but also solidified her status as one of the country’s brightest talents.
“I’m really happy with my performance today,” Mudenda said.
“I was focused on securing my place for the inter-provincial championships, and I’m glad I was able to exceed my expectations. This victory is a reflection of the hard work I have put in and the support from my coaches and teammates.”
Mudenda’s triumph was followed by Concern Ngwenya from Binga, who finished second in a time of 27 minutes 25 seconds. Nozipho Dube took third place, completing the course in 30 minutes 26,38 seconds.
In the men’s junior 8km category, Shelton Ncube claimed victory in a time of 26 minutes 44,80 seconds. Taunga Maseka finished second in 28 minutes 48,89 seconds, while Phakamile Ndlovu rounded off the top three in a time of 28 minutes 50,20 seconds.
Bab chairperson Watson Madanyika expressed his delight with the overall success of the event.
“We are thrilled with the level of competition today. The athletes showed remarkable dedication, and it was inspiring to see such a high standard of performance. Events like this are crucial for nurturing young talent and giving them a platform to showcase their abilities.”
However, Madanyika noted a concern regarding the low participation of female athletes in the senior women’s category.
“There is an urgent need to have more female athletes participating in these events. As an association, we have to work to make sure the numbers increase.”
The 10km senior women’s category saw only one athlete, Lesedi Nkomo, taking part and finishing in 47 minutes 13,94 seconds.
In the senior men’s 10km category, Freedom Banda emerged victorious in a time of 33 minutes 58,39 seconds. Andrew Ndlovu and Bonani Moyo finished in second and third place, respectively, with times of 34 minutes 13,20 seconds and 34 minutes 15,72 seconds.
Results
Junior Women’s 6km
1 Tulange Mudenda 23 minutes 26,61 seconds,
2 Concern Ngwenya 27 minutes 25.00 seconds, 3 Nozipho Dube – 30 minutes 26,38 seconds
Junior Men’s 8km
1 Shelton Ncube 26 minutes 44,80 seconds,
2 Taunga Maseka 28 minutes 48,89 seconds,
3 Phakamile Ndlovu 28:50,20
Senior Men’s 10km
1. Freedom Banda 33 minutes 58,39 seconds,
2 Andrew Ndlovu 34 minutes 13,20 seconds,
3 Bonani Moyo 34:15,72
— @innocentskizoe
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