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A leading athletics administrator and coach, Vusa Mlilo, has emphasised the need for volunteerism if the sport is to make headway in Bulawayo.
Speaking at a road race organised by his Bulawayo Athletes Development Project and sponsored by Arnold Payne’s Africa Children’s Hope Foundation, Mlilo said there was abundant talent but very few people were willing to sacrifice their time to develop athletics.
“There is so much to harvest but we have few people willing to work,” said Mlilo.
About 40 athletes took part in the inaugural 5KM and 10KM fun road race in Emakhandeni on Saturday. The 5KM race was open to primary school pupils while those over 18 years entered the 10KM event.
The organisers are planning to hold such races on a monthly basis in a bid to revive athletics in the province.
Bulawayo Athletics Board secretary Gailles Bingadadi praised the organisers and sponsors for their efforts in developing sport in Bulawayo.
Payne is a former national 400M champion and hopes new talent can be unearthed in Bulawayo. He has also undertaken to facilitate scholarships abroad for youngsters gifted in both sport and academics.
Payne benefited from a scholarship to the United States, which helped him improve his running and set national records in the 400M.
Hlalani Ngwenya won the men’s 10KM race by clocking 30 minutes 32.36 seconds.
The Sparrows Athletics Club runner was pushed all the way to the finishing line by Mpopoma High schoolmates Simbarashe Taderera (31 min 10.68 sec) and Bismark Ndlovu (31 min 55.83 sec), who finished second and third respectively.
Fourth place went to Anthony Moyo (32 min 32.93 sec) while Beberton Mhlanga was fifth in 33 minutes 47.43 seconds.
The Taderera twins, Sandra and Cynthia, monopolised the women’s race and claimed first and second positions.
Sandra was first in a time of 42 minutes 06.16 seconds while Cynthia clocked 42 minutes 27.82 seconds. The pair runs for Mpopoma High School and Sparrows Athletics Club.
Thobekile Mpunzi (43 min 20.09 sec) was third and Mercy Ncube (49 min 14.59 sec) fourth.
Ullitah Dambureni of Mpopoma High School took fifth position in 49 minutes 16.99 seconds.
Alistair Chawanda eclipsed his twin brother Alex to win the boys’ Under-16 race.
Obey Makamo won the boys’ Under-14 5KM run with Thomas Zhou second and Mandlenkosi Zhou third as another set of twins impressed.
In the girls’ category of the same age group, Kimberley Nomaxabiso Sibanda was the winner followed by Princess Sibanda.
Online Reporter