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Sports Reporter
NATIONAL coach for juniors and youths Briad Nhubu says today’s track and field meet at the White City Stadium is key to their team selection for the CAA Under-18 and Under-20 Championships in Cote d’Ivoire in April.The National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe and Bulawayo Athletics Board will today hold the national track and field championships.

Nhubu said following the season opener in Harare early this month, the meet presents them with a platform to pick potential athletes who will form the team for the youths and junior teams for the continental meet.

“Had it not been some transport challenges, we were expecting a good turnout because this one is going to be part of the selection meet and beginning of season that will also help to determine the level of fitness of most athletes.

“I think it’s a very good competition in the sense that it will give us the clue as to the components of fitness they might be lacking or those areas in which they are doing well.

‘’Really, it was going to be a very good competition to all our athletes if they manage to attend.

“We are constantly in touch with some of the athletes and they are showing that they are working hard to prepare for the (qualifying) events for the Youth and Junior Championships.

‘’So, it’s going to be a good platform for those who will attend to actually look at where we are and what it is that we need to work on, so that we have athletes of the right grade,” said Nhubu.

Nhubu said they should have a provisional team next month based on the results from the today’s event as well as the one held in Harare early this month.

Bulawayo Athletics Board chairman, Manuel Mpofu, yesterday said it’s promising to be an exciting meet.

Meanwhile, the national association will today and tomorrow host a starters’ course at the National Sports Stadium with at least 20 technical officials expected to take part.

“We are expecting to train 20 technical officials who want to do this course because we felt that the more we train the better the competition is around Zimbabwe.

‘’So we have received calls from all the provinces.

“This week is quite a busy week for athletics,” said NAAZ president Tendai Tagara.