Moffat Mungazi
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE Manicaland Athletics Board (MAB) boss, Joshua Matume, who retained his position, expressed his delight that the provincial athletics management body successfully hosted four half-marathons and one full marathon in the just-ended year.
Dingo Euphresia was elected as Matume’s deputy, while Rusape-based Brian Nhubu was elected the board’s secretary-general. Doubt Gino is the organising secretary, while Peter Mkandi is the treasurer. The officials’ coordinator is Godfrey Ndiringepi, while Kenwell Tsinakwadi is the marketing and publicity official. Bridget Rinodamoto is the women’s coordinator.
In a wide-ranging interview following his re-election, Matume said: “The province was privileged to host four half-marathons and one full marathon, namely the Breast Cancer Half Marathon, Tanganda Half Marathon, Old Mutual Vumba Half Marathon, National Aids Council Half Marathon, and the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon. This is a milestone achievement for the province, and we hope to build on it to host more events in 2025,” he said.
“The board successfully conducted mobilisation clinics in all the seven districts of the province, with assistance from district executives. These clinics facilitated preparation for coaching and officiating courses, which were held in all districts except Chimanimani. The board also participated in the national Kids Athletics Zimfit Programmes, which took place across the province. Many MAB personnel played a crucial role in training infant teachers for Zimfit.
Additionally, MAB collaborated with NAPH and NASH to train coaches and officiating officials, who oversaw athletics activities at school and national levels. Manicaland was also delighted to host an international TOECS course, which attracted participants from across Zimbabwe. Furthermore, the executive organised a virtual seminar for coaches, where current trends and issues were discussed,” he said.
Matume expressed satisfaction with the number of competitions that the board hosted in the just ended year.
“Manicaland Athletics Board hosted the provincial track and field championships at Hillcrest College, although the event experienced a low turnout. Despite this, schools’ athletics competitions were successfully held across the province.
MAB provided technical support and services at competitions held at all levels. Notably, the Nash provincial track and field event took place at Kriste Mambo, while the NAPH event was held at Marist Nyanga High School,” he said.
Matume stated that one of the challenges facing the board is inconsistent membership, largely due to financial constraints.
“Some of our challenges include inconsistent membership, limited access to electronic timing, cancellations of scheduled events by clubs, inadequate support for athlete and coach affiliation, and difficulties in securing national team appointments. Furthermore, we face financial constraints that hinder our ability to host developmental programmes.
“Despite these challenges, our future plans for 2025 are ambitious. We aim to host additional track and field championships, present awards, engage in consultative meetings with stakeholders, offer officiating and coaching courses, intensify our fundraising efforts, provide refresher courses for qualified technical officials, and host training camps for athletes,” he said.
