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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]

MATABELELAND North will henceforth only take podium athletes to represent the province in national track and field athletics competitions, provincial National Association of Secondary School Heads (Nash), head in charge of athletics Abraham Netha has said.

Netha said this ahead of the province’s inter-district track and field athletics competitions that will see seven districts converging at Manjolo High School from tomorrow until Friday where they will then select their provincial squad to meet other provinces at the national finals at Chipadze High School in Bindura, Mashonaland Central province next month.

“The only way we can do well as a province is for us to consider quality over quantity. As we head for our provincials at Manjolo High School, our position is that we want to take podium athletes only. It doesn’t matter whether one gets gold, as long as we feel the standard will be below what is expected at national level, we will not take that athlete to Bindura,” said Netha.

In terms of preparations for the provincial meet, the George Silundika High School headmaster said it was all systems go, with districts expected to start arriving in Binga from tomorrow ahead of vetting on Tuesday.

Netha said vetting of athletes will be conducted by district Heads in Charge of athletics to ensure a smooth flow of competitions with no cheating.

Bubi district are the defending champions after amassing 24 gold, 21 silver and 14 bronze medals and were followed by Lupane who managed 22 gold, 19 silver and bronze medals respectively.

Hwange was third with 17 gold and silver medals as well as 18 bronze respectively.

Umguza had the same number of gold medals, but came short on silver after getting 15 while managing nine bronze medals.

Nkayi and Tsholotsho came fifth and sixth respectively, while hosting district this year, Binga was last.

Meanwhile, host province Mashonaland Central Province is leaving no stone unturned as they prepare to welcome nine provinces for the national finals from April 1-4.

Speaking to New Ziana, Mashonaland Central schools, sports inspector, Tinashe Mushore said preparations are 90 percent complete.

The ablution block is almost finished with only roofing and piping left to be done. A 500-capacity terrace has been built with final compaction work completed. The terrace will be reserved for guests, while others will be accommodated in tents.

The host schools will occupy the open spaces. To address water supply concerns, solarisation has been implemented to power boreholes, ensuring a 24-hour supply. A network of water pipes is currently being installed.