2022 ended on a high for the National Sports Academy (NSA) – which is housed at Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) – with its Under 20 recruits winning medals at the 10th AUSC Region 5 Under 20 Youth Games held in Lilongwe, Malawi in December and one qualifying for the 13th All Africa Games.
NSA’s Lynette Zembe (17) and David Nyamufarira (18) represented team Zimbabwe and won medals in stellar fashion.David was part of Team Zimbabwe’s 4x100m relay team which won silver. He is arguably the fastest teenager in the country and has been with the NSA for over 5 years.
Lynette’s Malawi tale is a sweet savour story as not only did she win gold in the 100m hurdles but also broke the competition and national records with a time of 13.47 seconds and became the first Zimbabwean athlete to qualify for the 13th All Africa Games scheduled to be held in Ghana in August this year.
Asked how she felt about her achievement, Lynette said: “Actually at my age, I only thank God because he made me fly higher. That was the best feeling ever. I just can’t tell or express the feeling. It wasn’t an easy journey for me but I believe my talent runs in my blood.”
She gives credit to her NSA coach, 3-time Olympian Cuthbert Nyasango who works with the Academy recruits.“Coach Nyasango has helped me to become a champion to a big extend because he is my everyday coach,” said Lynette.
Director of the National Sports Academy, Commissioner Titus Zvomuya – who travelled with the recruits – was elated at Lynette and David’s victories.“Lynette gave an amazing performance that shocked everyone in Malawi. When her times came up on the board everyone was in awe of her talent. Now she is the first Zimbabwean to qualify for the 2023 All Africa Games,” said an ecstatic Comm Zvomuya.
He added, “David was a little overwhelmed by the occasion. He fumbled in his race which I am sure he would have won. He however regrouped with the relay team and they won silver. They are both still young and have a lot to learn. I am sure their highly experienced coach will help them.”
Like David, Lynette was recruited to be an NSA talent while in primary school. Under Nyasango’s tutelage, the two, among other recruits, have developed and are modelling the NSA’s vision of producing world-class, podium-finishing athletes.
Both recruits are currently waiting for their Ordinary Level results. With the 2024 Paris Olympics qualifying season set to commence soon, Coach Nyasango has intensified training regiments for all his athletes.
With support from various stakeholders, namely the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation, Bindura Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, Sports Recreation Commission and others, the National Sports Academy will realise its ambition.
