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Ricky Zililo in Livingstone, Zambia
THE Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) national executive had to call an urgent meeting after its members threatened to boycott the Southern Africa Teachers’ Organisation (Sato) Games that started here yesterday over allowances.
It seems the Zimta members were not happy with the $80 allowances that they were given and before attending the official opening ceremony of the regional Games, the Zimbabwean delegation had to arm-twist its leadership into increasing the allowances.

After ironing out their differences, the teachers who missed the march past the Livingstone Institute of Business Engineering Studies, were able to redirect their energy to the competition setting the stage alight in track competitions.

Zimbabwe’s representatives were at the top of the medals board after winning seven gold, four silver and two bronze from 11 events. Zimbabwe’s first gold medal was won by Beaulah Mufambisi who came first in the women’s 1,500m after crossing the line in six minutes 08.98sec with Chrispen Pandasoni winning the men’s category after four minutes 50.03 seconds.

Zifa accredited female referee Saneliso Sibanda won gold in the women’s 100m event and was also influential in Zimbabwe’s 4x100m relay victory in which her team clocked 56.88 seconds. Priviledge Dube, 23, whose personal best in 400m is 48.65 seconds beat his men’s Sato counterparts for gold in an unimpressive time of 54.49 seconds.

“We came here for medals and that is what we wanted to do. Last time South Africa won the race but we went home and prepared very hard so that we could do better but unfortunately South Africa didn’t come for this year’s edition. I think Zambia are the only ones who can give us a good run for our money,” said Dube.

The Sato Games end this evening with all ball games finals set for today. Nine countries — Zimbabwe, Lesotho, the host nation Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Malawi and Mozambique who are participating at the Sato Games for the first time are competing at this year’s edition.

Meanwhile, speaking at the official opening ceremony, the Livingstone town clerk Lillian Chiwila-Chipoti said the Sato Games are meant to unite the 800 participants.

“Welcome to the capital city of Zambian tourism. We are proud of you teachers for you have made us who we are. Besides expanding friendship through these Games, we also hope that these Games foster unity in the region,” said Chiwila-Chipoti.

Results 1,500m Men: 1. Chrispen Pandasoni (Zimbabwe, four minutes 50.03sec), 2. Chigogo (Zimbabwe, four minutes 52.94sec), 3. Sebeso Mbuto (Zambia, four minutes 58.00sec) Women: 1. Beaulah Mufambisi (Zimbabwe, six minutes 08.98sec), 2. Sibo Sibanda (Zimbabwe, six minutes 11.03sec), 3. Nonkululeko Ndlovu (Zimbabwe, six minutes 12.13 sec)

400m Men: 1. Priviledge Dube (Zimbabwe, 54.49sec), 2. Ackim Chuulu (Zambia, 55.45sec), 3. Sikelela Dlamini (57.00sec) 200m Men: 1. Watson Kambiambia (Zambia, 26.05sec), 2. Almon Zikala (Swaziland, 26.12sec), 3. Jivas Makusha (Zimbabwe, 27.00sec) Women: 1. Beaulah Mufambisi (Zimbabwe, 26.91sec), 2. Mweshi (Zambia, 27.20sec), 3. Gakenaope Zambo (Botswana, 28.01sec).

100m Men: 1. Almon Zikhali (Swaziland, 13.49sec), 2. Nkosiyazi Moyo (Zimbabwe, 14.00sec), 3. Mapulanga Mavi (Zambia, 15.00sec). Women: Saneliso Sibanda (Zimbabwe, 14.40sec), 2. Pegy Tembo (Zambia, 16.00sec), 3. Nomsa Gabaseme (Botswana, 17.03sec).
Relays 4×100 Men: 1. Zambia (45.49sec), 2. Zimbabwe (46.00sec), 3. Swaziland (48.00sec) Women: 1. Zimbabwe (56.88sec), 2. Zambia (59.00sec), 3. Swaziland (one minute 00.15sec).

4×400 Men: 1. Zimbabwe (three minutes 39.64sec), 2. Zambia (three minutes 41.00sec), 3. Swaziland (three minutes 44.00sec). Women: 1. Zimbabwe (five minutes 53.20sec) 2. Zambia (six minutes 09.12sec), 3. Botswana (eight minutes 00.00sec).