Tracy Moyo
Association of Secondary School Heads (NASH) Athletics Extravaganza is set to take place at Chipadze High School in Bindura, Mashonaland Central, from April 1 to April 4, 2025.
National Head in Charge of NASH Athletics, Roland Sibanda, confirmed the state of preparedness during a recent briefing in Victoria Falls.Sibanda outlined the event’s schedule, with April 1 designated as the arrival day and April 4 as the departure day. The two main competition days are set for April 2 and 3. This highly anticipated event will serve as a selection platform for the team that will represent Zimbabwe at the Confederation of Schools Sports Association of Southern Africa (COSASA) Athletics Championships.
Initially scheduled for April, the COSASA games in Eswatini have now been postponed to August 2025 due to logistical challenges and will be held alongside the ballgames.
“Bindura is ready to host us for the 2025 Extravaganza. We have met as Heads in Charge (HICs) from all ten provinces, along with the NASH Vice President, to vet all teams. I’m happy to report that the teams are ready to compete,” said Sibanda.The vetting process has been significantly improved with the introduction of an ICT-based system, reducing instances of age cheating by approximately 85%. While some challenges remain, Sibanda noted that most athletes are now competing in the correct age groups.
Chipadze High School has been diligently preparing for the event, ensuring that all necessary facilities are in place. The school’s efforts have been bolstered by guidance from officials who previously hosted national events, including representatives from Matabeleland North and Mosi-oa-Tunya High School in Victoria Falls.
In January, a high-powered delegation led by the Mashonaland Central Provincial Education Director visited Victoria Falls to learn best practices in hosting major athletics competitions.
The team included deputy directors, finance and administration officers, sports directors, inspectors, and technical teams, all committed to ensuring the success of the 2025 edition.
“The ground, the track, and the terrain are ready. They have already been tested through district and provincial competitions. After feedback, Chipadze High School has committed to making further improvements ahead of the national event,” R. Sibanda added.National Head in charge, R.Sibanda, along with other officials from Mashonaland East and Harare, has personally assessed the preparations, confirming that Bindura is set to host the national event.
“I’ll be there by Friday to finalize assessments and ensure any remaining areas of improvement are addressed,” he confirmed.The 2025 NASH Athletics Extravaganza is not just a platform for competition but also a stepping stone for aspiring young athletes. “This is where our Team Zimbabwe will emerge. It’s where our future Olympic medalists will be discovered,” Sibanda said, emphasizing the importance of fair play and sportsmanship.
In closing, Sibanda extended his congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on her appointment as President of the Olympic Committee, expressing optimism for the future of Zimbabwean sports.With all preparations in place, all roads now lead to Bindura-Chipadze High School for what promises to be a thrilling and competitive athletics showcase.
