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Kusile Madlela Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S 10 athletes who competed in the Southern Region Senior Championships held in Mauritius last week managed to bag three medals in the track and field event.

Bulawayo Athletics Board (BAB) chairman Manuel Mpofu said the performance of the athletes was good and showed that their training was paying off.

Francis Zimwara won silver in the 100 metres final in 10.35sec, which was an improvement from the his heat time of 10.38sec.

Trust Chidomaya also bagged silver in the 1,500 metres in a time of 3 min 57 sec while in the 4×100 metres relay, the boys got bronze in an impressive time of 40.97sec.

“These times are a reflection of time well spent in practice and they look set to improve their times in coming events,” said Mpofu.

He said they had sent the athletes to compete in the games as part of their preparations for the 11th African Games scheduled for September 4–19 in Brazzaville, Congo.

“They need such competitions to keep them in top shape and participating at the highest level on track and field.

“Most of the athletes who competed in these senior championships are part of the African Games team, so we’re making sure they stay in top form through competing,” Mpofu said.

He said they had also received an invitation from Zambia to take part in their National Championships slated for June 27.

“Other countries invited are Mozambique and Botswana.

“They sent us an invitation and we’re sending a team to those games. The athletes will also be attempting to get the qualifying times for the World Junior Championships (in Cali, Colombia) and the African Games. We’ll have a final list of the athletes for those games by the end of the week,” he said.

Team Results:

100m: Men: Francis Zimwara-10.35 secs (final) 10.38 secs (heats), Shingirai Changuyo-10.77secs, Keneth Chibwala-10.70secs. Women: Mufaro Hungo-12,50secs. 1,500m: Trust Chidomaya-3min 57sec. 100m x4 relay: Francis Zimwara, Malvin Bonde, Shingirai Changuyo and Keneth Chibwala- 40.97secs. 200m: Men: Malvin Bonde-30.80secs, Women: Mufaro Hungo-26.60secs. 400m: Men: Ronald Ndlovu-47.42sec (Final) 47.78sec (Heats), Shama Mawugara-57.70sec, Women: Patience Ngwenya-1min 57,70secs. Long Jump: Presley Mabhena-6,71m.