Zimpapers Logo

Lovemore Dube recently in MASERU, Lesotho
THE National Association of School Heads, a grouping of primary and secondary schools bosses, has paid tribute to coaches and athletes for a their medal haul in Lesotho.Zimbabwe, winners of the 2015 track and field championships, amassed 73 medals to beat Namibia and hosts Lesotho

Arthur Maphosa of the National Association of Secondary School Heads attributed the win to team work and a thorough selection process.

“It was not by chance that we won. We worked for it and deserved to reap where we sowed,” he said.

“The selection process was national and began at inter-house level until the inter-provincials where we came up with the best athletes for Lesotho.

“We would like to pay tribute to the coaches at all levels who worked so hard to ensure we got results.

“It was not by chance that we won but a process that began at all levels of schools sport.”

Cynthia Khumalo who heads the National Association of Primary School Heads, was also full of praise to the teachers and coaches.

“We won because we were united. We worked hard from the base to the national team. We would like to pay tribute to our sponsors, Nestle Zimbabwe, who made it possible for us to hold national finals where the team was selected for Lesotho.

“The coaches were professional and went about their business in the most professional way.

“They were without any fear, free to choose a kid from any corner of the country without any favour.

“We are happy we did well,” said Khumalo.

Khumalo said they were eager to see their athletes taken to schools where they could continue with the sport at secondary school level.

“We are in full support of a tracking system where these children could continue with the sport past primary school,” said Khumalo.

Enias Nhoro, who is the national head in charge of athletics at primary school level and also vice-president of the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe, said there has to be continuity in the sport.

“It should not be wasted talent. These kids must be part of the broad programme we have as NAAZ, their participation in the sport has to be all year round so that they are not lost to other sporting disciplines in term two and three. We have a development initiative that targets both primary and secondary school pupils in the provinces.

Several records were broken and athletics officials are yet to see if the times, distances and heights recorded are within the World Youth Championships qualifying standards.