Kachambwa, Ngezimani pick Zim’s first medals in Zambia

ZIMBABWE picked their first two medals at the ongoing Confederation of African Athletics Under-18 and Under-20 championships at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Zambia yesterday.

Kimberly Kachambwa got silver when coming second in the Under-18 (youth) women discus.

The 15-year old put up a good show, competing at the continental event for the first time, to give Zimbabwe something to smile about when she threw 33.90m throw and earned herself a silver medal.

It was also her personal best performance. “I am elated. I am very happy, the hard work paid off and I hope next time I will do better. I wasn’t quite sure because I wasn’t that ready considering that I am only 15 years old and competing with older athletes.

“But when things started progressing, I was quite happy with the results.

“For me, it means the future is bright. I am willing to improve, to get better next year, to be a gold,” said Kachambwa.

It was a boost for the young athlete who is set to also compete at the Cossasa track and field Championships expected to take place at the same venue soon after the continental meet.

Rodney Ngezimani also had a good day picking a bronze medal in the Under-20 ( junior) men shot put with a 16.65m throw.

Ngezimani said it was a huge achievement for him.

“First of all I want to thank God for making this day something memorable.

“Being placed third in Africa is just something great for me, for my collection, I think it’s one of the best.

“And also this was a tough competition due to injuries and a lot of stuff. I want to thank God for just being the one to make sure I am just myself. I don’t look up to anyone but only Him.

“I also want to thank the coaches for making the effort; they are trying in whatever way they can... they try by all means to promote throws besides us not having enough equipment and stuff but they try,” said Ngezimani. He is also set to represent Zimbabwe in discus and hammer throw.

Head coach of the juniors Aaron Whyte was impressed.

“We are super excited. We were getting worried but we knew the medals were going to come. We just didn’t know when. But we just wanted to say the kids are doing their best.

“I think if we really push we can be a powerhouse in field events in Africa and we are looking forward to more medals not only in the field but in the other events. However, our best chances are in the field events.

“I think that most of our athletes, if not all that competed yesterday, made it to the semi-finals. It’s a good sign, it’s a good start.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have as many kids in the finals from Under-18 to Under-20 yet, we only got Samkeliso (Ndebele) the one who has been confirmed.

“But, looking at the powerhouses in sprints that are here, I think making it I to the semi-finals is quite an achievement.”

Whyte said they looking forward to some good results again in the other events lined up for today, including the hurdles.

Another coach travelling with the team, Shadreck Chatunga, shared the same sentiments.

“This is a continental championship, it’s a tough competition. We brought our athletes here for experience. Some of them are coming for the first time for an international competition.

“But I was happy with Kimberly. It’s her first time to be in the African Championships and, among the throwers, she is the youngest. Next year again she will still be in the same age-group.

“I think a bit of some areas need polishing but I can see her going through to some higher level,” said Chatunga.

Samkeliso Ndebele and Denzel Simusialela were set to run the Under-20 women and men 100m final late yesterday.

Some of the athletes bowed out in the semi-finals yesterday.