Harare, (New Ziana) – Preparations to host the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Southern Region Senior Championships are almost complete with the local organising committee (LOC) putting final touches to the venue.
The games, which are held every two years, will take place at the University of Zimbabwe Athletics Track between July 26 and 27 this year under the theme “One Track. One Region. One Dream.”
A cornerstone of the development of athletics in the Southern Africa Development Committee (SADC), the games provide athletes with a platform to showcase their talent, while at the same time exposing them to the global stage.
Countries expected to participate in the competition include Angola, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Addressing the media and other stakeholders in Harare on Monday, National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) secretary Cynthia Phiri hailed the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) and the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) for their guidance and support.
She highlighted the country’s preparedness for the games, at which 500 athletes and officials are expected. “These games were first held decades ago to promote collaboration and sporting excellence among SADC nations. In its early years, the event created a friendly and competitive space for Southern African athletes to build camaraderie and benchmark performance ahead of continental or global events.
“Our LOC has worked tirelessly over the past months to deliver a comprehensive operational plan. On venue readiness, the University of Zimbabwe athletics track has undergone final inspections and minor enhancements, ensuring compliance with World Athletics standards. We have secured all required equipment, including starting blocks, electronic timing systems, lane markers, photo-finish cameras and communication radios,” she said.
Phiri said more than 80 volunteers have been recruited and trained in hospitality, ushering, athlete assistance, and protocol, reflecting the spirit of service and professionalism. From a strategic standpoint, Phiri added, the championships place Zimbabwe at the center of sporting diplomacy, youth empowerment and regional cooperation.
“We are not just hosting a competition, we are hosting a celebration of African potential. It is a continental statement of unity and excellence and a platform for young athletes to shine, secure sponsorship and qualify for the 2025 World Athletics Championships. It also aligns with key national goals under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS-1) and dovetails with our broader ambitions to become a regional sporting hub,” she said.
Acting director of sport and development at the SRC, Shepard Mukanhairi, said the event is a national opportunity as it aligns perfectly with the SRC and Government goals to increase participation in sport, improve podium performance and promote sports tourism as a driver of economic growth.
He hailed some of the country’s finest athletics exports and rising stars who include Tapiwanashe Makarawu, whose dominant sprinting performances in the United States of America (USA) have put Zimbabwe on the international map, and Makanakaishe Charamba, one of the fastest men Zimbabwe has ever produced, a consistent force in the 200 meters and 400 meter events.
Others include world-class triple jumper Chengetayi Mapaya, Beyonce Sabubia, who is a powerhouse sprinter, young and fearless Faith Chinyama, who has podium potential, and Ngoni Makusha, a household name whose achievements continue to inspire a new generation of athletes.
New Ziana
