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Sports Reporter—

HARARE Athletics Board chairperson Sebastian Garikai has pledged to take the sport in the province to another level after he was voted back into office at an elective general meeting over the weekend.

Garikai retained the position unopposed and will be at the helm of the board for the next four years.

“Obviously the number one thing will be governance. It is the biggest thing because that is what the Minister has been saying.

“We are looking at setting up an office and making sure that all board members go through induction.

“We are looking at improving athletes’ welfare at our events, growth both in numbers and quality. Basically we have managed to grow the number of athletes, officials and also coaches but now we need to grow the numbers into quality.

“Our vision is we want to turn athletics into the most inclusive and popular sport in Harare,” said Garikai.

This will be Garikai’s second term in office.

“From our province we have had athletes who have gone to represent the nation. We have Tinotenda Matiyenga, who runs 100m, the team that went to Angola (for the African Union Sports Council Region Five Under-20 Youth Games) was made up of several athletes from our province,” said Garikai.

He will be deputised by Phineas Zinhiva.

Silas Muringani was also unopposed for the secretary-general post. Fungai Gwekwerere is the vice-secretary-general and Sledge Chinyoka is the treasurer.

Seasoned long-distance runner, Collen Makaza, was voted the coaches’ coordinator while Dasmata Manyanga is the officials’ coordinator assisted by Cousinet Zhuwao.

Tsitsi Nhedziwa leads the Women’s Committee.

Farisai Tapera and Reuben Bezvo are coming in as committee members.