mbulelo smpofu
Innocent Kurira, innocent.kurira@chronicle.co.zw
THE Bulawayo Athletics Board (Bab) is wasting no time in kicking off the 2025 season, with two exciting cross-country events lined up for this month.
These events will serve as qualifiers for the prestigious Inter-Provincial Cross-Country Championships, scheduled for the Harare Botanic Gardens on February 22.
The first provincial cross-country meet will take place at Nketa Drive Park in Mpopoma on January 11, followed by a second event on January 26.
According to BAB chairman, Watson Madanyika, these events are expected to draw over 50 talented athletes from clubs and schools across the province.
With the inter-provincials just around the corner, these January events promise to be thrilling competitions that will showcase the best of Bulawayo’s athletic talent.
“We’re hoping for a bigger turnout compared to last year. Entry fees are US$1 per athlete (cadets and juniors) and US$2 for seniors. Our goal is to select a strong provincial team for the inter-provincials and hopefully, identify athletes who can cut the World Cross-Country Championships,” said Madanyika.
Last year, Zimbabwe sent two athletes to the World Cross Country Championships, Wellington Varevi, who competed in the 12km senior men’s category, and Precious Munsaka, who took part in the six kilometre junior women’s category.
While most athletes failed to meet the qualifying times, Munsaka impressed by running the qualifying time in the Under-20 women’s category, finishing first in 23 minutes 36.52 seconds in the eight kilometre long course.
The cross-country events will be followed by the province’s first track and field event on February 9 at White City Stadium, where athletes will compete in various disciplines, including sprints, middle-distance events, relays and field events. — @innocentskizoe
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
