Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE head in charge of sports in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Phineas Ndlovu, has called for the keeping of records during athletics competitions, saying that can go a long way in improving the standards of the sport code in the province.
Speaking on the sidelines of a two-day Reigate District National Association of Secondary Schools Heads (Nash) inter-schools track and field athletics competition held at White City Stadium yesterday, Ndlovu, a headmaster at Cowdray Park Secondary School, said athletics was all about times, distance and heights and athletes are motivated by trying to better the record.
“There is a need to keep records of our events, this acts as a motivator for the athletes as they strive to better the previous record and that on its own will see a very competitive field. Even sponsors can come on board and put incentives for those who will break some of the records, “said Ndlovu.
While Ndlovu’s call can be embraced, there is also a need for the teachers to be properly trained on the importance of time in track events.
It made a sad observation yesterday during the Under-15 boys’ 3,000m race when time keepers seemed no longer interested in timing the last four athletes.
The time clocked by the athletes could be used to motivate them during next year’s preparations for the same event. Even the timed short events were done amateurishly with the results sheet showing rounded off times, a cardinal sin in athletics.
In the boys’ Under-15 110m hurdles race, Luveve High School’s Handsome Moyo came first in 19 seconds, with St Columbus’ Crispen Mapulanga and Shingai Makwangware coming second and third respectively. There were no indications on the seconds’ difference.
Bonani Moyo of Cowdray Park was the first athlete to scoop gold when he romped home ahead of everyone in the boys’ 20 and under in the 10,000m race, crossing the line in 35 minutes, 26 seconds.
He was followed closely by Tafadzwa Zhou of Northlea who was two seconds behind.
Nick Ngwenya of Mzilikazi was third in 39 minutes, 13 seconds to settle for bronze.
In field events, Cowdray Park’s Allet Ncube came first in the girls’ 20 and under age group Hammer throw event, throwing 13m, two metres ahead of second placed Makhanani Ncube of the same school.
Entumbane’s Learnmore Moyo took gold in the boys’ Under-15 high jump with a jump of 1.48m. In second place was Carrick Mpofu of St Columbus with a jump of 1.46m.
Day One medal table
Gold Silver Bronze
Northlea 8 5 3
Cowdray Park 6 8 4
St Columbus 4 3 4
Luveve 3 1 4
Entumbane 3 1
Emakhandeni 2 1
Sobukhazi 1 1 2
Mzilikazi 0 2 4