02/06/2026
Zimbabwe ๐ฟ๐ผ Unleashes 22-Strong Squad for SACA Championships in Mauritius
HARARE โ The National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) will deploy an elite 22-member junior squad ๐ช๐พ to the Southern African Confederation of Athletics (SACA) U18 and U20 Championships in Mauritius ๐ฒ๐บ .
Taking place from June 5โ7, 2026, ๐๏ธ at the state-of-the-art Cรดte d'Or National Sports Complex, the event stands as a crucial battleground for the regionโs finest emerging talents.
Zimbabweโs heavily stacked roster of sprinters, middle-distance runners, hurdlers, and field stars will not only hunt for regional glory but will aggressively chase qualification times for the prestigious 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon.
Selected from the Crucible
Forged through grueling NAAZ trials and standout performances at the National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH) National Championships, this 2026 contingent features a dangerous mix of proven titleholders and explosive rising stars.
Leading the charge for Team Zimbabwe are three critical headline acts to watch on the track:
๐Anesu Nyahuma (U20 400m Standout): The 18-year-old phenom continues her meteoric rise. Fresh off a high-stakes baptism of fire against the continent's elite seniors at the African Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana, Nyahuma is primed to convert that invaluable continental experience into gold-medal ๐ฅperformances in Mauritius. She arrives with immense momentum after previously destroying the track with a blistering 56.18-second victory at the NASH National Championships.
๐Emmanuel Uriga (U20 400m King): Uriga has rapidly transformed into one of the country's most feared quarter-milers. He sent shockwaves through the local circuit by claiming the NASH U20 boys' 400m throne๐ in a historic 47.55 seconds. Backed by impressive outings at recent NAAZ Junior and Senior open meets, he is actively hunting down the global qualifying marks.
๐Trey Chimunya (U20 Sprint Ace): A relentless short-sprint specialist, Chimunya brings essential regional pedigree to the squad. Having already clocked โฐ highly competitive times on regional circuits earlier this season, he will look to leverage his explosive start to dominate both the 100m and 200m fields.
With a potent mix of raw power and tactical experience, Team Zimbabwe ๐ฟ๐ผ is perfectly positioned to make a loud statement on the regional stage and punch their tickets to Oregon. They will look to tap into the experience and expertise of coach Aaron Whyte.
Team Zimbabwe ๐ฟ๐ผ Squad List
๐๐พโโ๏ธWomen Under 18
PraiseGod Nyamulepa (100m and 200m)
Delight Maravanyika (100m and 200m)
๐๐พโโ๏ธโโก๏ธMen Under 18
Malachi Mafunga (400m and 800m)
Cavin Banga (400m hurdles)
Kebonyemosemane Ndebele (800m)
Tanatswa Nyamukondiwa (100m)
๐โโ๏ธWomen Under 20
Shalom Sendi (100m and 200m)
Anesu Nyahuma (400m)
Tashinga Ngirazi (100m and 200m)
Nataly Shoko (400m and 400m hurdles)
Hayley Chingomo (100m and 200m)
Martha Chipuriro (800m)
๐๐พโโ๏ธโโก๏ธMen Under 20
Trey Chimunya (100m and 200m)
Takudzwa Mbonyeke (100m and 200m)
Nenyasha Chihora (400m)
Emmanuel Uriga (400m)
Alvin Simon (200m and 400m)
Gift Khumalo (800m)
Tawananyasha Chakonda (110m hurdles and long jump)
Panashe Matenure (long jump)
Tatenda Chindowa (high jump)
Takunda Mutizwa (triple jump and long jump)