Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
FREEDOM Banda and Lesedi Nkomo stole the show at the Bulawayo Athletics Board (Bab) Cross-Country Championships held yesterday at Nketa Drive Park, showcasing their exceptional endurance and tact as they emerged victorious in their respective categories.
In the senior men’s 10km race, Banda took the top spot, finishing in exactly 34 minutes. Denford Mlilo followed closely, securing second place with a time of 35 minutes 17.64 seconds. Thabo Mapfumo rounded out the top three, finishing in 38 minutes 38.53 seconds.
The senior women’s 10km race saw Lesedi Nkomo take the top honours, completing the race in 49 minutes 29.20 seconds. Notably, only two participants took part in this category.
The other contestant did not finish the race. Last year, there was no participant in the senior women’s category at all. In the six kilometre men’s race, Zinhle Vundla emerged victorious, finishing in 34 minutes 04.31 seconds. Mike Sithole and Benevolence Matiba secured second and third place, respectively, with times of 44 minutes 05.90 seconds and 46 minutes 58.90 seconds.
The women’s six kilometre race was won by Grace Mudoni, who completed the race in an impressive 27 minutes 03.28 seconds. Prestigious Ncube and Xolile Ndlovu followed, finishing in 51 minutes 66.95 seconds and 54 minutes 01.35 seconds, respectively.
Bulawayo Athletics Board chairperson Watson Madanyika, said they are expecting the number of participants to increase when they host the second Cross-Country event on 26 January at the same venue.
“I am delighted with the success of our Cross-Country Championships. The event was a true showcase of athletic talent, and I am thrilled to see our athletes performing at such a high level. The competition was fierce, but our winners demonstrated exceptional tact and endurance.
“ I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to all the participants, officials and volunteers who made this event possible. Your hard work and dedication are what make our championships a success, and we are grateful for your involvement. I would also like to thank our sponsors for their generous support, which enables us to host events of this calibre,” said Madanyika.
He said the association is tasked with ensuring athletes compete at a high level. “As we celebrate the success of our Cross Country Championships, we are already looking forward to our next event. We are committed to providing opportunities for our athletes to compete at the highest level, and we are excited to see what the future holds for Bulawayo athletics. Once again, congratulations to all our winners and participants on a fantastic event,” said Madanyika.
Results Senior Men’s 10km Race
1. Freedom Banda -34 minutes 2. Denford Mlilo – 35 minutes 17.64 seconds 3. Thabo Mapfumo – 38 minutes 38.53 seconds
Senior Women’s 10km Race
1. Lesedi Nkomo – 49 minutes 29.20 seconds
6km Men’s Race
1. Mike Sithole – 44 minutes 05.90 seconds 2. Benevolence Matiba – 46 minutes 58.90 seconds
6km Women’s Race
1. Grace Mudoni – 27 minutes 03.28 seconds 2. Prestigious Ncube – 51 minutes 66.95 seconds 3. Xolile Ndlovu – 54 minutes 01.35 seconds
Bongani Ndlovu