By Tavonga Munyanyi
The Shurugwi Athletics Club recently made history with an impressive medal haul at the African Associated Mines-Shabanie Mine 2025 Track and Field event held from April 26 to 27 at Maglas Stadium in Zvishavane.
The club participated in various age groups and won four gold, six silver, and two bronze medals WHERE Twenty male athletes from Shurugwi participated.
The event was there to select a team that will represent Midlands Province at the Inter-Provincial Championship on June 7, 2025, at White City Stadium in Bulawayo.
Athletics clubs from across Midlands Province, including Great Dyke, Elite, Chegato, and Marian Junior Club, participated in the event.
Shurugwi Athletics Board Chairperson Akim Mwale told TellZim News that he was excited by the club’s performance and results.
“I’m thrilled with the boys’ performance. They did extremely well, and the number of medals we attained compared to the number of athletes we sent shows that Shurugwi has achieved a lot. My desire is to produce athletes competing at world-class events like the Olympics, and I believe that with time, we will reach the climax,” said Mwale.
Speaking to TellZim News, one male category under-18 discus gold medalist Tatenda Mhuri reflected on his achievement, urging athletes to boost their self-confidence.
“I’m very proud of this achievement. I worked hard, and I urge all athletes to believe in themselves and not hide their talents because no one can identify something that’s hidden,” Mhuri said.
Male category senior 400 meters silver medalist Andy Mangena said he didn’t expect to receive a medal saying the competition was tough.
“I wasn’t expecting to receive a medal though I had worked hard during training because the competition was quite tough,” Mangena said.
The Board Secretary Meka Zhowake commended the club’s commitment and invited all athletes in the district to join the athletics club.
“Our club did very well. I call upon all athletes in every corner of Shurugwi to join the athletics club. You’ll reach far if you identify and nurture your talent,” said Zhowake.
Shurugwi Athletics Club sponsor and KwaMahla Village Resort. Founder Simon Magumo Mahla expressed pride in the team’s performance saying the team put a spirited effort despite having been put together recently.
“We’re really proud of the team and their performance. Four gold, six silver, and two bronze is quite a feat. This team was only put together a few weeks ago, and credit goes to the recently formed Shurugwi Athletics Board, which has been scouting for talent in the district and schools,” said Mahla.
Mahla said athletics was a game-changer for Africans’ livelihoods saying it had transformed the lives of competitors in Africa, some of whom have defied their poor backgrounds to become global sporting brands.
“We’re proud to play our small part in unlocking this talent and putting Shurugwi on the map as a sporting region, akin to the Rift Valley in Kenya, which has produced the greatest long-distance runners the world has ever seen,” he said.
Athletes including Tinei Samkange, Tadiwanashe Manyere, Saviors Harirari, Tatenda Mhuri, Brendon Phiri, Denzel Madutsa, Mike Ngwenya, Andy Mangena, and Brandon Mangisi, the club qualified to be in the Midlands Provincial team.
