NICAZ Era Begins as Sanyati Strikes Gold

By Admire Chitsungo

The track and field came alive at Alaska Stadium in Chinhoyi as the National Independent Colleges Association of Zimbabwe (NICAZ) staged its inaugural provincial athletics championships, marking a historic moment for independent colleges across Zimbabwe.

The high-energy competition, which attracted athletes from all districts in Mashonaland West, showcased emerging talent and set the stage for the upcoming national championships scheduled for March 19 at White City Stadium.

Speaking during the event, NICAZ Vice President Leonard Ngwenya, who was the guest of honour, described the tournament as a landmark step toward uniting independent colleges under one umbrella.

“NICAZ is an amalgamation of all former independent colleges associations. We sat down and realised there is power in unity and strength in numbers,” said Ngwenya.

He noted that sister organisations such as the National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH) and the National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH) have demonstrated how unity can transform school sport by identifying talent, nurturing it and producing national and international champions.

“For a long time, learners in the independent colleges sector have been left behind in organised sport. That is why all independent colleges in Zimbabwe have decided to unite under the NICAZ banner in the best interest of the Zimbabwean child,” he said.

Ngwenya added that the provincial competitions being held across the country will culminate in the national championships in Bulawayo, where the country’s most promising young athletes will converge for the ultimate showdown on the track and in the field.

He also extended an open invitation to independent colleges who are yet to affiliate with NICAZ.

“I urge all independent colleges who are yet to join to come on board. Together we can build a powerful platform for developing young sporting talent.”

Ngwenya further commended college directors for mobilising resources to make the inaugural competition a success and applauded officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for supervising the event and providing policy guidance.

“Hats off to the organisers of this tournament for a job well done,” he said.

On the track, Sanyati district delivered a commanding performance, sprinting away with the overall title after collecting 28 gold medals.

Makonde district followed in second position with 19 gold medals, while Zvimba district finished third with 12 gold medals.

Hurungwe secured fourth place with 9 gold medals, Mhondoro finished fifth with 7, Chegutu claimed sixth position with 4, and Kariba wrapped up the standings with 2 gold medals.

Mashonaland West NICAZ provincial chairperson Sunungukai Hwatira hailed the event as a success.

“As our first competition under the NICAZ banner, we are happy with the turnout. All districts in the province are represented, which shows the spirit of unity we envisioned,” he said.

NICAZ Mashonaland West provincial sports coordinator Givemore Murehwa said the level of competition on display was encouraging.

“I am happy about the level of competition being exhibited by these athletes and I can confidently say Mashonaland West is ready for the national competitions in Bulawayo,” he said.

NICAZ official and Father Flower Group of Schools Director General Dr Jimmy Lemekani-Waya echoed the optimism on the sidelines of the tournament.

“As Mashonaland West we are always on top of the rest and we are ready for the national competitions in Bulawayo,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Under-20 boys relay team, affectionately known as “Boys dzemaverse,” declared their ambitions loud and clear.

“We are going to bring gold medals at all cost,” the confident quartet said after a blistering relay performance.

In his closing remarks, NICAZ official Pardon Chimudzeka rallied the provincial team ahead of the national championships.

“As Mashonaland West we are thrilled and proud to go and compete. We are going to give our all and bring trophies and medals back to Mashonaland West,” he said.

With provincial bragging rights settled and momentum building, all eyes now turn to Bulawayo where the nation’s rising stars will take to the track in pursuit of NICAZ national glory.