Three Bindura University of Science Education’s (BUSE)’s National Sports Academy athletes scooped four of the nine gold medals netted by Team Zimbabwe at the African Union Region Five Under 20 Youth Games held in Gaborone, Botswana from 6th to 16th December 2018. The three talentees are Norman Mukwada (hurdles), James Mtenje (javelin) and Dorothy Kavhumbura (triple jump).
With a net of fifty-one medals, Team Zimbabwe finished fifth out of the ten countries that participated in the regional competition. Athletes from the BUSE National Sports Academy and their fellow national team members also clinched 13 silver and 29 bronze medals at the games.
While encouraged by their performance, the athletes are appreciative of their country’s support. Norman Mukwada said the governmental assistance was invaluable.
“I want to thank the whole team, our coaches, and the Government for supporting us. I am grateful about my performance. I got gold medals in the 400m hurdles and 110m hurdles. I am now preparing for the 2020 Olympic Games. It is my dream to be there,” said Mukwada.
Other BUSE National Sports Academy medal holders include Dickson Kapandura who teamed up with Brian Ndlovu, Norman Mukwada and Mkhokheli Sibanda (non-National Sports Academy athlete) and brought home two bronze medals in short distance relays. Dickson Kapandura also scooped a silver medal in 200m running and, Dennis Gono scooped a bronze in 5000m and a silver in 10000m running.
The BUSE National Sports Academy, which was constituted by an Act of Parliament back in 2006 but assumed operations in 2013, has become an incubator for athletes with a variety of specialities. The academy collaborates with BUSE’s Sports Science Department and identifies talented athletes through a national programme. BUSE management, staff, and students are grateful for the National Sports Academy, which is an invaluable asset for the community of Mashonaland Central Province and the university.
The Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, Hon Dr Kirsty Coventry who was the guest of honour at the Team Zimbabwe’s welcome reception at Belvedere Technical Teachers College in Harare, hailed Team Zimbabwe’s performance.
Hon. Dr Coventry said that it was pleasing to see the young athletes raising the country’s flag high. She said that one of her Ministry’s goals was to form partnerships with the private sector to help support the athletes.
The BUSE National Sports Academy is proud to be part of the national sports promotion agenda. The winning athletes are looking forward to taking part in the 2019 Africa Games and the 2020 Olympic
