MAKUSHA RARING TO GO

Ellina Mhlanga
Senior Sports Reporter

AS the countdown to the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Senior Championships continue, Ngoni Makusha and Gerren Muwishi are confident they will rise to the occasion.

The National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe announced a seven-member team on Tuesday to represent the country in Douala, Cameroon, from June 21 to 26.

The team is made up of Makusha, Muwishi, Tapiwanashe Makarawu, Ashley Kamangirira, Donald Chiyangwa, Dennis Hove and Chengetayi Mapaya.

This year’s competition is part of the qualifying events for the Olympic Games.

Muwishi, Makusha and Kamangirira were part of Team Zimbabwe for the African Games held in Accra, Ghana in March.

Kamangirira won a bronze medal in the women’s 100m hurdles.

Makusha, who is in France, is excited to be part of the athletes going to Cameroon.

“I have been competing in high level competitions and getting the proper preparations that I need.

“This is a very important competition for me as it is the last shot for qualifying, for the Olympics in my individual event as well as a relay team.

“I am happy that I have been given the opportunity

“Yes, I have the belief that it is possible. No matter how much of an uphill task it may seem, I have to keep believing,” Makusha said.

He was part of the 4x100m relay team that won a bronze medal at the previous edition of the African Championships in Mauritius.

“I think we have a strong group of athletes and we should be able to get a few medals for the country at this year’s edition.”

Muwishi said the continental meet is critical in his pursuit for Olympics qualification.

“The qualification deadline is fast approaching and there obviously aren’t a lot of races left to help with qualification.

“So, the Championships are an opportunity for a final push towards being at the biggest sporting spectacle in the world this year.”

Muwishi is set to compete in the 400m race and is part of the relays.

The qualifying window for athletics closes on June 30.

“Personally I think that mentally I can handle pressure at the big stage. So, it’s obviously just about going into the championship with the correct mindset and giving my best effort.

“God and my training should do the rest.

“The target coming into this year was obviously the African Games in Ghana and my performance there hinted at what I needed to fix to be in contention for qualification.”

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