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THE National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) has forged a partnership with Masai Sports manager Charles Paanakker to develop two marathon training centres in the country and open doors for long-distance runners.

The collaboration, facilitated by Frans Denissen, a World Athletics registered agent with Masai Sports Netherlands, is set to run for four years.
Naaz president Tendayi Tagara hailed the move as a major boost for athletes in the region.

Tendai Tagara

“Paanakker jetted into Zimbabwe on the 24th of October and we had a meeting on the 25th in Gweru. The agreement looks at the establishment of a marathon training centre in Harare and a high-altitude centre in Nyanga,” said Tagara.

The partnership also includes the welfare of athletes and finding races for athletes in Europe.
The first step will see the athletics mother-body assigning between four to six athletes with potential to qualify for the World Championships and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Isaac Mpofu

“The package will include the welfare of athletes, organising races in Europe, the welfare of coaches and kitting. The association will also look at funding of air tickets and part of the local camping expenses.

“Tendayi Zimuto has already been assigned to the project. We are guaranteed a route for our top marathoners because Europe has fast courses and these managers will negotiate for the athletes’ packages with big sponsors and race organisers, even kit sponsors,” said Tagara.

Tendai Zimuto

Some of the athletes managed by Paanakker include Kenya’s Naom Jebet, who won the Porto Marathon over the weekend.
Besides Isaac Mpofu, who has over the last years made great strides competing at World Championships and making his Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games, Zimuto is one of the hopefuls to qualify for next year’s World Championships set for September 13-21 in Tokyo, Japan.

The likes of Moses Tarakinyu and Rutendo Nyahora have shown interest in chasing qualification for next year’s championships.
However, the selection will depend on the performance of the athletes, taking into consideration their times.

The qualifying window for the marathon for next year’s World Championships closes on May 4 next year.
Naaz has made it clear that it wants more athletes making the grade for major competitions such as the World Championships and the Olympics, and marathon runners have been consistent.