OnSport Reporters
IT’s all systems go for the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) inter-provincial athletics championships slated to be held at the White City Stadium on June 7.
The event will be preceded by the Payne Mdlongwa Invitationals to held at the same venue on Saturday as a trial run for the inter-provincials that will be used as a platform to select athletes to represent the country in the Southern Region Senior Championships, set for 26–27 July 2025 in Harare.
NAAZ director of national competitions, Manuel Mpofu says they are ready for the June 7 showcase.
“The stadium has been booked and secured. All logistical elements are aligning smoothly. We are thrilled to announce that the electronic timing system will be operational, with the Timetronics expert jetting into Zimbabwe on 5 June to oversee set-up and calibration. Bib numbers are already printed and ready for distribution. We are expecting top-tier athletes from each province to headline their respective teams. So far so good—momentum is building, and we expect the 2025 edition of the Battle of the 10 Provinces to be bigger and better,” Mpofu said.
He added: “The local organising committee is also hard at work, finalizing preparations to ensure a smooth and high-impact event that not only delivers on athletic excellence but also sets the tone for regional dominance ahead of the SADC showdown in July.With the stage set and anticipation rising, athletics fans, school teams, and communities across Zimbabwe are encouraged to rally behind their provinces and witness the emergence of the country’s next generation of stars.”
Meanwhile on Saturday, the Bulawayo Athletic Board (BAB), hosts the Payne Mdhlongwa Invitationals an event sponsored by United States-based Zimbabwean athletics legends, Arnold Payne and Ndabezinhle Mdhlongwa.
The competition will see participants compete in over 54 track and field events.
BAB chairman, Watson Madenyika said they are using the event as a dry run for the Interprovincials that will be held next week at the same venue.
“We are using this Saturday’s meet as preparations for next week’s event both for the local athletes and also for the officials that will handle the proceedings.
“However, this does not mean the Payne Mdhlongwa event is less important as it provides the much needed activity that keeps our athletes in shape,” he said.
Madenyika said provinces have started sending team lists with the final lists expected on Sunday.
To ensure the selection of the best athletes to represent the country, he said the electronic timing system will be in use during the Inter-provincials.
Athletics galore at White City
