Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube
TWO of Bulawayo’s greatest athletics exports have been hailed for giving back to the sport that helped make their names.
Veteran athletics coach Manu Mpofu has praised former Zimbabwe stars Arnold Payne and Ndabezinhle Mdhlongwa for continuing to support local athletes through a track and field event that has become a fixture on the athletics calendar.
The annual competition, set for White City Stadium this weekend, has been sponsored by the two former athletes for the past five years and continues to attract competitors from across the country.
This year’s edition comes at a crucial time as athletes chase qualifying standards for major international competitions scheduled for next year, including the African Games in Egypt and the World Championships in Beijing, China.
Mpofu said Payne and Mdhlongwa deserve recognition for investing in the development of future generations.
“These two legends always remember their roots. I really appreciate their support. We need more meetings so that our athletes stay in shape,” said Mpofu.
A former Milton High School star, Payne made his mark as a top-class 200m, 400m and 4x400m relay runner and at one stage held Zimbabwe’s indoor 400m record.
Mdhlongwa remains one of the country’s most celebrated field athletes. His triple jump record of 17.34 metres, set in Lafayette, United States, in 1998, still stands today.
The pair inspired generations during their competitive years and are now helping to create opportunities for the next crop of athletes.
Mpofu believes more former athletes should follow their example.
“We always encourage athletes to train hard and improve their standards. We say train, compete and repeat. The cycle must continue so that athletes learn from mistakes and improve with every competition,” he said.
“The more competitions we have, the better. If each athlete who has gone abroad came back to sponsor events, our athletes would be sharper ahead of selection competitions.”
Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Athletics Board chairman Watson Madanyika said preparations for the event were complete.
“We are expecting athletes from all over the country because it is an open competition. The level of competition should be very high,” said Madanyika.
Among the athletes expected to grab the spotlight is rising middle-distance runner Shayne Makota, whose impressive 800m performances have made him one of the athletes to watch.
With injured sprint star Methembe Tshuma unavailable, Titus Chikonye, who has clocked a respectable 10.70 seconds in the 100m, is expected to be among the favourites in the sprint events.
Women’s high jump prospect Azile Tshuma will also be one to watch after clearing 1.68 metres this season.
Madanyika said athletes shortlisted for the Marondera Youth Games are also expected to compete, adding further quality to the field.
