BY SPORTS WRITER

Team Zimbabwe is oozing with confidence as they gear up to take on the world’s best at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. With a strong contingent of seven athletes, the team is eager to make a mark in athletics, rowing, and swimming.

According to Ringisai Mapondera, Team Zimbabwe’s chef de mission, “Oh yes, they have had four years to prepare and as an athlete you will know that the Olympics are the pinnacle of everything, so we are certain that they have been preparing.”

Mapondera expressed optimism about the team’s chances, saying “The chances are very high and we are very positive about and expecting that we should at least be getting a medal or two, but our happiness is that we have seven athletes here representing Zimbabwe.”

The team’s athletes have been busy fine-tuning their skills, with sprinters Makanakaishe Charamba and Tapiwanashe Makarawu set to compete in the 200m dash, while Isaac Mpofu and Rutendo Nyahora will represent Zimbabwe in the marathon events. In the pool, Paige van der Westhuizen and Denilson Cyprianos will fly the flag, and Stephen Cox will make his mark in rowing.

Vice president Constantino Chiwenga, who arrived in Paris to attend the official opening ceremony, has also expressed his support for the team.

ADDITIONALS: SURBUBIAN

BY STAFF REPORTER 

Zimbabwe’s search for a new Warriors coach is nearing its end! After a long wait, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is set to announce a substantive coach for the senior men’s national team in just a few days.

This comes after a thorough recruitment process, which included interviews with five top contenders, ZIFA said on Tuesday.

“In parallel, ZIFA is diligently working on compiling the shortlist for the Mighty Warriors Head Coach position,” ZIFA said.

“The interview process for this role is set to be completed by Monday, 29 July.

“ZIFA remains committed to appointing the most qualified and capable coaches to lead our national teams. We believe that these appointments will significantly contribute to the development and success of Zimbabwean football on the international stage.”

The shortlisted candidates are Gerard Nus, Michael Nees, Marcio Maximo Barcellos, Antoine Hey, and Winfried Schäfer.

FIFA’s commitment to funding the coach’s salary has been a game-changer, allowing ZIFA to attract top talent.

The association said it is determined to find the best fit to lead the Warriors to victory.

BY OWN CORRESPONDENT 

Victoria Falls’ rising star, Denzel Ngavi, is sprinting his way to becoming the town’s poster boy. The Mosi-Oa-Tunya High School runner clinched gold at the Pupkewitza Open Athletics Championships in Namibia, shaving off precious seconds to inch closer to his target.

Denzel’s determination is paying off, as he improved his personal best from 48.38 seconds to 47.80 seconds in the 400m category. He’s now just a fraction of a second away from the coveted 47.65 seconds record needed to qualify for international events.

The young Chinotimba high- density suburb athlete’s hard work and dedication is evident, as he beat his close opponent, Namibia’s best under-20 athletes, Aoxamu Danny-Boy Otjiac who was the reigning gold champion by a split second.

He’s quick to credit his support system. “I’m grateful to my father, Daniel Machaka Ngavi, for sacrificing everything to be here and support me,” he says. “And to my coach, Raymond, I’ve made tremendous strides under your guidance. This win is a testament to our hard work.”

Denzel’s sights are set on the next challenge, as he prepares to take on the best in Botswana at an upcoming event. With his momentum building, there’s no doubt this talented runner will continue to make waves in the athletics world. Go, Denzel, go!”