Midlands State University(MSU) delivered a top drawer performance at the recently ended Zimbabwe Universities Sports Association(ZUSA) cluster 1 games held in Bulawayo at the National University of Science and Technology(NUST) from the 9th to the 12th of March 2022 .
Team MSU scooped a total of 31 medals.
MSU Director of Sports, Culture and Recreation Mr James Muvirimi Chivivi said that he was impressed by Team MSU’s performance in all disciplines despite limited training time owing to COVID-19 restrictions.
“I am really pleased by the performance of our teams at the recently ended ZUSA games which saw us scoop a good number of medals despite the fact that the students did not have adequate time to prepare for the games in the light of Covid 19 regulations.
“The team put up a splendid performance which serves as essential motivation for the ultimate victory that team MSU will have after the ZUSA cluster 2 games.
“I expect the other teams to pick up from this wonderful performance, collect more silverware in the upcoming games and there is no doubt that MSU will be at the top of the medal standings after all the results have been put together as we always work to achieve nothing but the best,” he emphasized.
MSU started their ZUSA games campaign well, registering a total of nine gold medals, 17 silver medals and five bronze from athletics, cricket, hockey, rugby, golf, karate, chess, tennis and table tennis.
Notably, the cricket ladies team displayed a majestic performance clinching gold in a winners take all contest against the University of Zimbabwe on the 12th of March 2022 , celebrating the women’s month in spectacular fashion.
Cricket team gaffer Mr Osborn Nayoto said that loved the fantastic display of all the MSU ladies teams. The cricket ladies team surpassed his expectations after beating a well drilled UZ team.
“I am very proud of the amazing performance firstly by all the members of Team MSU regardless of the discipline but special mention goes to the ladies cricket team which won gold after a vicious contest against the Women’s University and the University of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Abigirl Mushuku, a distinguished 100 meters sprinter and long jump competitor expressed her joy at seeing so many female students give their best for the MSU badge and come back home with silverware.
“I am very proud of my fellow female athletes who were up to the task of competing for our amazing University, win silverware and show that we are more than capable of contributing to the great success story of MSU,” she said.
Abigirl like many other female athletes felt that it was special to be able to win in the month of March where women are being celebrated throughout the world for their valuable contribution to humanity.
As preparations for the Zimbabwe Tertiary Institutions Sports Union games gather momentum, the Midlands State University team is upbeat since it has already secured nine places after the marvelous performances at the cluster one games held at NUST.