SENIOR IAAF WORLD ATHLETICS SPECIALIST COACH COLLEN GIVES POINTERS ABOUT ATHLETICS

 MR PACE SHOW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

PRESENTER: COLLEN MAKAZA 

GUEST: COLLEN JIMU

DATE: 23 JULY 2021

TIME: 1800HRS TO 2030HRS

VENUE CHITUNGWIZA, HARARE ZIMBABWE

CONTACTS: +263 733741960/+263776769684

EMAIL: mrpacemakaza@gmail.com 

*1.Q- Welcome Mr Collen Jimu can you tell us more about yourself when and where were you born?*

Thank you very much Mr Makaza for inviting me to this Mr Pace Show for living legends. Good evening viewers.

I am Collen Jimu and was born in Masedza Village under Chief Makoni on the 16th of July 1978. I was born in a big family of 10 children (7 boys & 3 girls) and I am the last born (10/10). Currently, I am a police officer stationed at Zimbabwe Republic Police Protection Unit as the Provincial Training Supervisor, a retired athlete but an active Athletics Coach and International Technical Official.

I hold the following qualifications in Athletics.

1) IAAF Level 1 Coaching (New Scientific-based Coaching course).

2) Olympic Committee Technical Coaching Certificate.

3) Electronic Timing System Certificate.

4) IAAF Toecs level 1 Certificate.

5) IAAF Toecs level 2 Certificate.

6) Jumps and Throws Certificate.

7) NAAZ Starters Certificate.

*2Q- Where did you attend your primary, secondary schooling and in which years?*

*3.Q- Tell us how was performance in athletics during your primary and secondary levels?*

I did my primary school at Denzva Primary School in Nyazura from 1986 to 1992. After my primary school, I went to Rukweza Secondary School in Nyazura to do my secondary education from 1993 to 1996, then proceeded to Advanced level at Victoria High School in Masvingo from 1997 to 1998.

My participation in athletics was very low during my school days though I knew that I was good in sprints especially 200m and 400m but my parents were very strict on me. Due to our poor background, they wanted me to focus more on schooling than sporting. However, during my school days, I restricted myself to compete up to interhouses and I made sure that I perform badly during inter-school competitions so that I don't qualify for the zonal competitions.

*4.Q- Do you still remember teacher or coach who identified your talent in athletics and how it started in athletics*

In 2002 when I was a Secondary School Science Teacher at Rukovo Secondary School in Topora area just after Kyle Dam, a friend of mine Mr Muzenda who was also a teacher at our school identified me as very good sprinter in Athletics. During our spare time, we used to go and do some sprints at the school ground just for funny. Mr Muzenda kept on encouraging me to take sprints seriously and during interhouse competitions, he would put a race event for teachers and students so that I have other people to challenge me in 200m and 400m. It was from these fun runs that I started taking Athletics seriously. 

In 2003, I left teaching and was recruited in the ZRP. In the same year, I joined the Police Protection Unit (P.P.U) Athletics team as a sprinter and the team was preparing for the Commissioner's Gala competitions to be held at Mashava Mine. It was during these preparations that Mr Muranganwa, the Athletics Coach for PPU identified me as a potential good thrower basing on my body type. He asked me to withdrew from doing sprint and he gave me a program to start doing throws. At first, I was not happy with the move but due to my performance during training, I ended up enjoying doing throws. What impressed me most was that, though it was my first time to do throws in my life but during my training sessions I managed to beat records for the ZRP Throws. I became more confident in doing throws and the support from my Coach and teammates was so overwhelming. Since then, I abandoned doing sprints and concentrated in doing throws, that is, Shot put and Discus. Later in 2004, I started training javelin throwing. I ended up being a ZRP Champion for Javelin, Discus and Shot put from 2003 to 2019. From 2013 to 2019, I was an athlete, coach and athletics Technical Official. Now that I have retired from active participation as an athlete, am now doing full time coaching and athletics officiating.

*5.Q- What inspires you to be an athlete?*

I was inspired to be an athlete after reading stories for Gaile Dube and Artwel Mandaza during my school days. However, my inspiration get worse as I continue to read more stories of other athletes like Tendai Chimusasa, Magombedza, Abel Chimukoko, Jonga, Ben Chauke, Dingani just to mention but a few. I just felt that one day my name will be written down in the Athletics history for ZRP and Zimbabwe at large just like other veteran athletes.

*6.Q- Can you give us the names of your training partners and how did they contribute for you performance in sport?*

During my time as an athlete, my training partners from ZRP were Morgan Chekera, Magwenzi, Enock Gotore, Cruzona Ncube, Tadyanemhandu, Isiah Mupfayi, Mashaire, Advocate Ndlovu, John Nyakonda and Bande. Other training partners were, Adam from Shamva mine, Fusire from U.Z and Mhaka from Kwekwe but was based in Harare. 

Training partners from ZRP used to alternate as national record holders for ZRP Athletics before I joined ZRP. Since I joined ZRP Athletics in 2003, they also used to give me tough competition during the Commissioner General of Police Gala. The stiff competition I was facing from training partners, it helped me a lot to work very hard on my training sessions so that I continue to defend my title as the ZRP record holder or as the overall champion for the throwing events. Before I joined ZRP Athletics, the records for throws were very low since there was no much tough competition but after I joined ZRP Athletics, the records kept on improving each season. My training partners helped me to become the invincible champion for throws from 2003 to 2019 in the ZRP and other HAB and NAAZ Senior men competitions. 

Training partners from other clubs used to compete with me at the chamber of mines, college, HAB and NAAZ competitions, thereby pushing my performance up at each and every competition.

*7.Q- What motivated you to take running as part of your life?*

I was motivated to do throws as part of my life because I grew up enjoying the fun of competing with other people in lifting or carrying or throwing heavy things taking advantage of my big body. In addition to that, I wanted to participate in sport so as to keep my body fit (I hate to be obesy). I also wanted to make a lot of friends through sport.

*8.Q- Name your first running club and how many clubs did you ran for during your days?*

My first Athletics club was ZRP Athletics club. During my days as an athlete, I only competed under 2 clubs, that is, ZRP Athletics club and Bindura University Athletics club from 2005 to 2009 during my time there as an undergraduate student.

*9.Q- Do you ever compete or won medals in any nationals and international champs?*

I won several medals in both national and international championships. All my medals were for Shop put, Discus and Javelin.

The National championships that I participated in and won several medals were, Commissioner General of Police Sports Gala, NAAZ Track and Field Championships and Tertiary College games. For the national championship, I have over 25 gold medals, over 15 silver medals and 7 bronze medals in Javelin, Discus and Shot put throws for the period between 2003 to 2019. In 2009 and 2010, I was crowned the best athlete in field events for the Commissioner General of Police Sports Gala.

For my international championships, I participated in the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (SARPCCO Games) and won medals in the following years:

2009 - Silver medal during SARPCCO Games in Malawi.

2011 - Bronze medal in shot put during SARPCCO Games in Democratic Republic of Congo.

2013 - Bronze medals in Javelin, Shop put and Discus during SARPCCO Games in Namibia.

2015 - Bronze medal in shot put during SARPCCO Games in Swaziland by then.

However, I competed in throws for the Bi-annual SARPCCO Games from 2005 up to 2019 but in some years I failed to get medals.

*How athletics changes your life Brother?*

From the allowances that I got from taking part and winning competitions, I managed to do some Investments for my family in form of buying several residential stands in and around Harare, build 3 complete houses for the family, buy equipment to do income generating projects. In addition to that, I also managed to live a health life by keeping my body fit, send my kids to school and to live a descent life.

*10.Q- During your junior and senior levels, who were your rivals?*

During my junior level at school my rivals in 200m and 400m was Ngonidzashe Mabvengwa and Bama Banda. At senior level, my rival for 200m and 400m were Austin Ndongwe and Walter Banga for the sprints.

My rivals for the Senior men throws were Adam from Shamva mine (Shot put and Discus), Mhaka from Kwekwe ( Shot put), Fusire ( Javelin), John Nyakonda (Shot put & Discus), Isiah Mupfayi (Discus, Javelin and Shot put), Advocate Ndlovu (Javelin), Tadyanemhandu (Javelin), Cruzona (Javelin),Magwenzi (Shot put and Discus), Enock Gotore (Javelin), Morgan Chekera (Discus and Shot put), Taderera ( Shot put), Mahommed Ali (Tanzania - Shot put and Discus), Joshua Botha (S.A  - Shot put and Discus), Evans (S.A - Discus and Shot put), Jesus (Angola - Shot put and Discus), Allan Bosch (S.A - Javelin), Banda (Zambia - Javelin).

*11.Q- At what age did you start professional running in your career as an athlete?*

I started to become a professional thrower when I was 25 yrs old.

*12.Q- Who was your first coach and the best coach in your career ?*

*13.Q- What is your best shoe brand as an athlete?*

*14.Q- What was your best meals before and after the race?*

*15.Q- What is favourite event in the fields shot-put, Discus and Javelin?*

My first coach was Mr Muranganwa and was also my best coach ever in my career.

*15.Q- What is favourite event in the fields shot-put, Discus and Javelin?*

My best shoe brand is Nike

My favorite event is Shot put.

Why? Shot

*16.Q- What is your best and worst competition in your career as an athlete?*

My best meal before competition is rice and chicken and after competition I prefer Sadza and Mazondo.

It makes me feel proud to be a man. Moreover, the distances between throws are not that big, so a slight put may make me a winner for the competition unlike other throws.

My best event in my career as an athlete was the Malawi SARPCCO Games in 2009. It was during that competition when I won my first SARPCCO Games medal though I started participating in these games in 2005  and was failing to get a medal. Field events were mostly dominated by South African athletes and are experts so it was very difficult to win a medal in throws. It was more like impossible. In all the previous SARPCCO games since 1999, South African team used to collect all medals (gold, silver and bronze) in throwing events. I was the first athlete to successfully challenge the South African team in the throwing events and I was very excited.

My worst competition in my career was the 2019 SARPCCO Games in Angola. I made my first best ever rotational throw in Discus of about 46m but unfortunately I failed to balance during my recovery and fell into the discus sector and got injured on my right hand wrist. The throw was invalidated. I stopped to compete in the event. I was supposed to get a gold medal in the discus event because noone surpassed my mark. For my other events, shot put and javelin I did not perform well because of the injury.

*17.Q- When did you start chasing your dream in Coaching and Officiating?*

*18.Q- What inspires you to be a  Coach and Race Official at same time?*

*19.Q- Can you name some of the top athletes you  helped, work with or you Coached?*

I started chasing my dream in coaching in 2013 and officiating in 2014.

I was inspired to become a coach after my coach Mr Muranganwa retired from ZRP in 2012 and was also overwhelmed by pressure from the athletes who were approaching me for assistance in throws since I had experience in participating in both National and International Championships. I ended up doing coaching courses with HAB, NAAZ and IAAF to upgrade myself so that I can practice good coaching to my athletes.

In 2014, I was inspired to become a Technical Official for Athletics after I realized that at times athletes and coaches make unnecessary arguments during competitions due to ignorance of World Athletics Competition Technical Rules. In addition to that, I used to admire HAB and NAAZ Technical Officials as they officiate with their nice uniforms and the highest level of professionalism they exhibit during competitions, it also inspired me to be one the HAB and NAAZ Technical Officials.

As a former athlete, I used to make arguments with Officials thinking that they were unfair to me or to other athletes. Yes at times, they may make unfair decisions during competition to the extent that athletes get demoralized. 

One day I said to myself, I have experience as an athlete, am now a coach but coaching without knowledge of IAAF Competition Technical Rules is nothing because it will make me get embarrassed each time I argue with Technical Officials thinking that am right only to be shown a rule in the IAAF rule book that am wrong. I then decided to approach Mr Muringani the HAB S.G by then who encouraged me to do Technical Officiating courses. He further referred me to Mr Nhoro to do the NAAZ Red Card and Toecs level 1 & Toecs level 2.

*20.Q- What are some of the challenges you face as an Official and Coaching?*

One of the top athletes I assisted and worked with are Isiah Mupfayi, Fusire (U.Z,), Kativhu, John Nyakonda, Nyamutswa, Bande, Gaylord Takaendesa. However, I identified and assisted Mupfayi and John Nyakonda. Isiah Mupfayi is the current SARPCCO record holder for Discus and Javelin.

*The challenge I face as a coach are:* 

1) Lack of proper equipment for Discus, Javelin and Shop put. It's very difficult to acquire World Athletics certified throwing equipment for use by athletes during training sessions and this is contributing negatively to our national records. There is no way athletes can perform well or improve much on their personal best distances if they train with substandard equipment and only get exposure of standard equipment during international championships. Most of these substandard equipment cause a lot injuries to athletes.

2) Quite a number of athletes don't want to continue doing throws because the training is so demanding. In addition to that, sometimes the organizers of competitions don't put all throwing events on the program, therefore, it demotivates athletes doing those events. They feel discriminated. As a coach, it becomes a challenge to coach an athlete for an event he/she rarely compete.

3) Some coaches may not be willing to give their athletes to me for coaching in throwing events fearing that they may lose money paid by athletes as coaching fee. This may lead to a scenario where athletes end up doing dual programs or coaches fighting for an athlete. 

4) The selection of coaches to take certain assignments at national or international level is a thorn in the flesh. Besides producing best performing athletes during competitions, at times I am not given higher assignments thereby limiting my experience to coach at higher levels . All coaches should have equal opportunity to get exposure to coach at higher levels or the selection system must allow grooming of other coaches for higher assignments unlike having same coaches all the time. What will happen if those same coaches become old or fall sick or die? Who will replace them?

5) At times I don't get enough support from the club and board inform of both material and financial support so that I can take my athletes to the competition venue.

 *Challenges I face as a Technical Official for Athletics*

1) Lack of regular refresher courses so that I keep myself up to date to ever changing World Athletics Competition Technical Rules.

2) At times the allowances that we are given after Officiating at competitions is very little to cover all our transport costs. Due to my strong passion for officiating I end up accepting whatever we are given or even to volunteer.

3) I feel that NAAZ should second young and energetic International Technical Officials to International Championships in other countries the same way those countries send their young Technical Officials to Zimbabwe. This will help us to gain more experience to officiate at such International Championships. Yes, I am an International Technical Official with level 2 Toecs but just a paper without International officiating exposure is not enough. Personally, I lack International officiating exposure or experience. I feel that International Technical Officials should be given an opportunity to officiate at International Championships even as volunteers.

4) As much as Technical Officials want to upgrade themselves, I feel that course fees charged by the board or association is a bit high especially to some of us paying the fees from our own pockets.

*21.Q- Do you have any post in Provincial athletics board or Sub committee's?*

I was appointed to work in the HAB Technical Department.

*22.Q- Your words what should be done to improve athletics at Provincial and National levels?*

1) All provincial boards and NAAZ should make effort to buy World Athletics certified sporting equipment especially hurdles and throwing equipment. This will go a long in improving both Provincial and National records and minimize injuries to Athletes.

2) All board and NAAZ should strive to have a vibrant marketing team so that Athletics will attract more sponsorship and become more popular like soccer. Soccer is managing to attract more sponsorship and spectators due to effective marketing strategies by their marketing departments. At times the number of spectators at Provincial, National and International Championships is very small due to poor marketing. 

3) Hard working coaches and Officials should be motivated by constantly sponsoring and sending them for upgrading courses and then give them higher or challenging posts that suits their level of qualification. 

4) Provincial Boards and NAAZ should promote a culture of grooming new people in the system rather than having same people all the time unless they are still competent. New blood should get opportunities in the structures so that when the old horses retire, no vacuum is left.

5) All athletics events should be put on the program for each and every track and field competition so that all coaches have an opportunity to evaluate the performance of their athletes. No events should be given special treatment or favour. All athletes are equal and all events are important.

6) The selection of athletes, coaches and Technical Officials for a competition or other assignment should be transparent and fair to everyone. The selection team should clearly spell out their selection criteria rather than just selecting people who are just loyal to them even if they lack competence.

7) Provincial boards and NAAZ should charge affordable fees for course taking into consideration that there might be individuals interested in doing the courses but cannot afford the high fees.

8) NAAZ should set dates for all refresher courses for both Coaching and Officiating so that Provincial boards and NAAZ stick to those dates. The reason is that some boards may not even conduct one refresher course for it's coaches or Officials. This will negatively affect coaching or officiating standards.

8) Athletes, Coaches and Officials should always enjoy good relationship. No coach owns athletes, athletes are free to change clubs or coaches, coaches and athletes should not see Technical Officials as unprofessional people or hold grudges with Officials for making certain decisions. Provincial boards and NAAZ should create platforms for Athletes, Coaches and Technical Officials to have discussions so that each and every stakeholder gives his/her view in regard to certain issues and resolutions are passed.

*23.Q- Your motivational and encouragement words to the upcoming athletes, Coaches and Race Officials?*

*To upcoming athletes* 

1) Athletes should always listen to your coaches, follow the training program and where you feel it needs some adjustments to suite you or the level of performance you want then discuss with your coach. 

2) Be disciplined to your coach and work well with other athletes and share your experience. Athletes can inspire each other.

3) To be a professional athlete or a legend it's not easy but it requires self dedication, passion and hard work. Always aim high and remember, " *No pain, No gain* "

 *To coaches* 

1) Be willing to work with any athlete and don't always put financial benefits first before taking the athlete to a higher level of performance. Rewards to your effort come at a later stage.

2) Be ready to sacrifice your spare time or money for your athletes to excel in athletics or sport in general. At times as a coach you need to use your personal resources.

3) Be willing to share your expertise of coaching with other coaches. Let's not be selfish. Where you feel you need someone with better experience than you, tell your athlete that you are handing over him/her to another coach to work on other areas. That way, coaches can strengthen their relationship with other coaches for the betterment of the athlete and athletics as a whole. Let's not own athletes but let's assist them to reach their full potential of performance.

4) It's always good for a coach to discuss your training program with your athlete so that he/she commit herself/himself to the program. Some coaches have a tendency of dishing out training programs to athletes and the athletes may end up doing it half way thereby failing to get intended results.

 *To Technical Officials* 

1) Always be fair to athletes during competition officiating.

2) The aim of officiating is not to catch or fix the athlete but to give a fair decision or ensure that all athletes have fair competition.

3) Always aim to upgrade yourself , rotate your officiating duties and have keen interest to watch other officials at International Championships and learn from their mistakes or good decisions.

4) Always know the World Athletics Technical Competition Rules and apply them accordingly without fear or favour. Your confidence in Athletics Officiating is determined mostly by your knowledge of the Rule book. Even if an athlete or coach or manager challenges your decision, you will be confident to defend your decision.

5) World Athletics Technical Competition Rules always change and refresher courses are not done regularly. Therefore, I encourage every Technical Official to constantly visit the World Athletics website to look for any amendments to the rules.

6) Teamwork is of great importance when it comes to Technical Officiating. Before, during and after competition, always work as a team. Where your colleague makes a mistake, don't shout at him/her but talk to him/her nicely out of hearing by athletes, then correct the mistake.  Always have this in mind during competition officiating, " *My mistake, is your mistake and it's our mistake"* . Once you realize that, then you know the importance of working as team.

7) Technical Officials should at times volunteer to render free services to Clubs or Provincial Boards or NAAZ  just for the love of sport and to gain exposure or experience even if you are not part of the competition Technical Officials.

*24.Q- Your future plans in sport?*

*25.Q- In brief tell us about your family and their support to your profession as sports person?*

My future plans in Athletics is to continue coaching athletes for throwing events whenever I find time and to continue working with HAB and NAAZ wholeheartedly. My big dream influencing my plans in Athletics is to become one of the best International Technical Official for Athletics and to be a TOECS Lecturer for English Speaking countries or to reach the highest level of Officiating if given the chance to do the courses. In short, am planning to be more biased towards Technical Officiating than coaching.

I am happily married and blessed with 5 children (3 girls and 2 boys). I stay with my family at our family house in Ruwa, Fairview Park. My wife is a nurse. My first born is a boy and is called Collen junior (form 4), followed by Colleta (grade 6) , Allen and Carren (are twins both doing ECD B ) and Ellen the last born (4 months old now).

I always get overwhelming support from my family. My wife takes care of me, she used to nurse my injuries when I was an athlete, buys me sports attire as surprises and together with my first 2 children join me for my morning jog each time am off duty. My eldest daughter is a promising sprint athlete.

*26. Mr Jimu, what are your last words to the viewers on this Mr Pace Show?*

My last words to viewers

To the upcoming athletes and those still at peak in their performances. Please use the money prizes you win on competitions wisely when you are still shinning in your events. Invest the money you win wisely, buy yourself a residential stand, build a house for yourself and invest in a viable income generating project that will sustain you when you are off season or when you retire. Some of you only rely on sport as your source of income. You may build a house even at a growth point or at your rural areas. Don't try to live borrowed life but live a life that suits your income. If you cannot make good Investments ideas for yourself then approach Investment consultants or consult other people who can help you to make good investment decisions. 

In one way or the other, you are going to retire either by age or through an injury so if you have invested wisely, it means you will never live a pathetic life after you retire. It is always good for a person who made history in sport to continue aspire other upcoming athletes even after retirement. Keep your legacy even after retirement. You are not suppose to squander your money prizes as if you have put on death roll, instead, use it wisely.

Once again, I want to thank you very much Mr Makaza for inviting me as your guest to this Mr Pace Show. Mr Makaza you are doing a great job by inviting different sports persons to share their profile and experience on this platform. I hope upcoming athletes, coaches and technical officials learnt a lot from your interview and I believe they are going to be inspired by me. 

To all the viewers, I also want to thank you for following all my WhatsApp posts and look forward to your questions if you have them. It was nice time to have you on this platform. Good night to you all.