Zimbabwe’s long distance runner, Isaac Mpofu, ran his best time of 1:01 minutes, setting a new record in the 21km road race during the 2022 SARPCCO games held in Tanzania. The previous record was 1hour 3minutes.
Earlier on, Mpofu had made his presence felt by collecting Team Zimbabwe’s first gold medal in the 10 000m race during the track and field events. He was assisted by Elijah Mabhunu who started the race as the pace setter but finished on third position to clinch a bronze medal. The other veteran, Trust Chidomaya pulled a muscle and walked off the track during the 8th lap. He was however, instrumental in earning the team a bronze medal during the 21km road race.
In the women’s category, Olivia Chitate did not disappoint as she scooped three silver medals in the 10 000m, 5 000m and cross country events. Zimbabwe also did well in other off-track events like throwing Shotput, Discus and Javelin, Long Jump, where Constables Gayrod Takaendesa, Rejoice Nyamajiwa and Linda Nyamutswa scooped gold, silver and bronze medals in Shotput, respectively. Constable Glady’s Mukome and Constable Molly Munashe Ngwarati, left their mark in the women’s long jump.
The story will not be complete if one does not talk about the individual brilliance of Conias Mudzingwa, who powered his teammates in the men’s final 4x400m relay to open a 30m gap during the second lap to ensure Zimbabwe’s last man – Mtholombo – hits the finishing line with ease to claim the team gold medal. The future also looks bright for recruit Constables Tanaka Mazadza and Nyasha Gadaga, who also added medals in the 4x100m and 4x400m and field track events.
The Athletics Coach, Chief Inspector Costa Matigwene explained the tactics employed by Zimbabwe in this year’s tournament in athletics.
“We knew that Tanzania as host were going to prepare adequately for the games. They are good in cross country and marathon races. Our strategy was that we collect everything in the field and track events to narrow their lead on gold medals. This somehow worked because by the end of the first two days, we were almost at par on gold medals tally but later surpassed them,” he said.
Superintendent Sports at Police General Headquarters, Abel Chimukoko commended Team Zimbabwe for the good performance.
“This time around, our performance was good. We faced quite a lot of stiff competition from the hosts and other nations and the medals in athletes were evenly spread such that most of the countries managed to grab something. But I was disappointed by the host nation – Tanzania. They did not handle it (tournament) professionally in terms of organising athletics starting from the track and field events. I think in future, we need to improve, work as a team and ensure that there is transparency and also to consider the vision and mission of the SARPCCO games, on the need to unite and fight crime through sport,” he said.
Superintendent Chimukoko said that Zimbabwe needs to start preparing for the next SARPCCO games scheduled for 2025.
“We need to start identifying the talent, our athletes need to be supported by young blood that should be nurtured. The talent is there. We also need to train umpires and coaches who would guide the correct way in each sporting discipline. We also need to take our athletes to high performance competitions so that the gain all the required experience,” he added.
