All eyes on Makarawu
STAFF WRITER
Sprint sensation Tapiwanashe Makarawu is the hot favourite for the Senior Athlete of the Year Award at this Saturday’s National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) awards in Bindura.
The Bindura-born sprinter, who once studied at Bindura University of Science Education, set a national 200m record of 19.84 seconds last year and has maintained top form throughout 2025, cementing his status as Zimbabwe’s “King of the Track.”
Makarawu faces stiff competition from training partner Makanakaishe Charamba, who impressed internationally with 19.92 seconds. Both reached the World Championships semi-finals, taking on the likes of Noah Lyles and Letsile Tebogo. Marathon specialist Isaac Mpofu, last year’s champion, completes the men’s nominees.
On the women’s side, 400m record-setter Vimbai Maisvoreva leads the race, with hurdler Ashley Miller and marathoner Fortunate Chidzivo also in contention. Veteran coach Ben Chauke is among favourites for Coach of the Year.
Naaz deputy president Siphathisiwe Machaya confirmed all preparations are complete. The awards will follow Saturday’s national cross country championships, where athletes from all 10 provinces will compete for spots in Zimbabwe’s team for the World Cross Country Championships in the United States next January
