Mashonaland West Crowned Inaugural NICAZ Champions
By Admire Chitsungo
Mashonaland West province delivered a dominant, high-performance display to clinch the inaugural National Independent Colleges Association of Zimbabwe (NICAZ) National Athletics Championships title, held at White City Stadium in Bulawayo.
The historic championships, which drew student-athletes from across the country, marked a significant milestone in schools athletics, blending fierce competition with a strong social message under the theme “Fight Against Drug and Substance Abuse Through Sport.”
Guest of Honour, Gabriel Mhuma, Director of Non-Formal Education in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, officially opened the championships, describing the event as a transformative platform for youth development.
“We celebrate not only competition, but a pathway that can change lives — Zimbabwean speed and endurance can pay school fees and build homes,” he said.
Mhuma urged athletes to emulate top performers such as Ngonidzashe Makusha, Tapiwanashe Makarawu, Lewis Banda, Isaac Mpofu, and Ashley Miller, alongside global icons like Wayde van Niekerk, David Rudisha, Faith Kipyegon, and Usain Bolt.
“Today’s heats are tomorrow’s headlines. Be first in discipline, first in class, and first in respect, and success will follow,” he added.
NICAZ President, Professor Washington Mahiya, commended the athletes for producing electrifying performances across track and field events, from explosive sprints and tactical middle-distance races to technically sound field events.
“We have witnessed incredible performances across all sectors of sport. The top three athletes in each category will be recognised for their achievements,” he said.
He emphasized unity among independent colleges and encouraged wider participation within NICAZ structures, noting that collaboration remains key to unlocking opportunities in sport and education.
Professor Mahiya also praised the host province for successfully staging the landmark championships.
NICAZ Vice President responsible for sport and academic affairs, Leonard Ngwenya, underscored the strategic importance of the championships in talent identification.
“As NICAZ, this is our first athletics and field championship, bringing together more than 2,000 colleges.We used to have competitions at school level and with these competitions,we believe our learners will be better positioned to represent the Country, Government has endorsed this move towards broader inclusion,” he said.
Mashonaland West athletes showcased superior conditioning, race execution, and competitive depth to finish atop the medal standings with an impressive 22 gold medals. Harare followed with 18 gold, while Mashonaland East secured third place with 15.
Mashonaland Central (9), Bulawayo (8), Manicaland (5), Midlands and Masvingo (4 each), Chitungwiza (2), and Matabeleland North (0) completed the final standings.
The province’s dominance was evident in both track and endurance events, where athletes combined blistering pace with tactical awareness.
Divine Rugwacha powered to victory in the grueling 7,500 metres, demonstrating endurance and race discipline.
“I have won the 12-lap race. I want more of these to make my name and be able to represent Zimbabwe,” she said.
Never Chinorwiwa also delivered a standout performance, conquering the demanding 25-lap race.
“The future looks bright. I believe I have what it takes to represent Zimbabwe in future competitions,” he said.
Mashonaland West Sports Coordinator, Givemore Murehwa, hailed the victory as a product of preparation and discipline.
“We are immensely proud of this historic achievement. Mashonaland West came prepared, disciplined, and determined, and the results speak for themselves. This victory reflects the hard work of our athletes, coaches, and schools. We have set the standard and aim to keep raising the bar,” he said.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education reaffirmed its support for NICAZ, encouraging sustained investment in sports infrastructure and athlete development.
With its successful debut, the NICAZ National Athletics Championships is set to become a permanent fixture on Zimbabwe’s schools sports calendar — a breeding ground for future stars and a powerful tool in the fight against drug and substance abuse through sport.
