Zimbabwe govt rewards athletics team

Zimbabwe's victorious athletics team returned home to a heroes' welcome yesterday after an outstanding campaign at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana, where they brought home four medals, including a historic gold in the men's 4x400m relay.

Government officials led celebrations for the athletes upon their arrival at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, with Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Emily Jesaya receiving the team shortly after midday.

Later in the evening, Sport, Recreation and Arts Minister Anselem Sanyatwe hosted a special welcome dinner in honour of the athletes, where Government also presented financial rewards to medal winners and members of the delegation.

Zimbabwe sent a 12-member team to the continental championships and returned with one gold medal, two silver medals and one bronze medal.

The headline achievement came from the men's 4x400m relay quartet of Gerren Muwishi, Thandazani Ndhlovu, Leeford Zuze and Dennis Hove, who claimed gold with a time of 3 minutes 01.11 seconds.

It marked Zimbabwe's first African Championships gold medal in the men's 4x400m relay since 2004, when the team of Talkmore Nyongani, Lloyd Zvasiya, Lewis Banda and Temba Ncube triumphed in Brazzaville, Congo.

Hove and Zuze also impressed in the individual 400m event, winning silver and bronze respectively, while Ashley Miller secured silver in the women's 100m hurdles.

Addressing the athletes during the dinner, Sanyatwe praised the team for raising Zimbabwe's flag high on the continental stage.

"Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate medals and records but to honour discipline, sacrifice, patriotism and excellence displayed by our athletes while proudly representing the Republic of Zimbabwe on the continental and global stage," he said.

"Your performances have brought immense pride and joy to the nation and have once again demonstrated that Zimbabwe possesses immense sporting talent capable of competing with the very best in the world."

Sanyatwe said the achievements highlighted the need for continued investment in athlete development, sports science and training infrastructure.

"As Government, we remain committed to creating an enabling environment for our athletes to succeed through improved infrastructure, enhanced international exposure and strengthened support systems," he said.

The relay team has enjoyed a remarkable season after also qualifying for next year's World Athletics Championships in Beijing following a strong performance at the World Relays in Botswana earlier this month, where Zimbabwe finished fifth.

Sanyatwe said the recent successes had strengthened confidence ahead of future international competitions.

"The success recorded in Botswana and Ghana provides renewed confidence as Zimbabwe prepares for future continental and global competitions, including the 2027 World Athletics Championships and other international sporting events," he said.

Relay captain Muwishi thanked the Government, coaches and stakeholders for supporting the athletes throughout their journey.

"On behalf of the entire athletics team, I would like to express our most sincere gratitude for this wonderful reception held in our honour following our success at the Africa Senior Championships," he said.

"To the Government of Zimbabwe, to our federation and organising committees, thank you for recognising our efforts and celebrating this achievement with us."

National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe president Tendai Tagara also expressed appreciation for the support extended to the team.

Some athletes, including Makanakaishe Charamba, Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Miller, returned directly to the United States, while Methembe Tshuma remained in Ghana receiving treatment after sustaining an injury during the championships.