Chikomo contemplates retiring

Chikomo has been one of the stars of the last decade and a key member of the Hwange Athletics Club where he formed good relay teams with the now retired Themba Ncube, Phillip Mukomana, Savieri Nghidi and Nelton Ndebele in relay teams in local competitions.
“I would have wanted to end my career beyond this year but lack of training facilities has made me consider retiring even much earlier than that. It could be this year,” said Chikomo.
He said the renovations which are going on at their training ground, Hwange Colliery Stadium, have made it almost impossible for him to train vigorously so as to be able to compete.
He had been contemplating making a bid for the Olympics especially in the 4x400m relay where he stood a good chance of being part of the six sprinters for the event.
The stadium is under renovations so as to meet required standards for Hwange Football Club’s Caf Confederation Cup assignments. Even the football club itself is not using the stadium for its preparations.
“Our athletics season is very short and if one does not utilise any given chance, then you might not make it so unless we are allowed earlier at the Colliery Stadium, I will soon call it a day,” said Chikomo.
Even though he was good in any part of the track, the 36-year-old Hwange Colliery Company electrician built himself a name in the 200m, earning the nickname “Curve Master”.
His international break, which was long overdue, came in the 2007 All-Africa Games in Algiers, Algeria, where with Ndebele, Talkmore Nyongani and Lewis Banda, they won a bronze medal in the senior men’s 4x400m relay, clocking 3 minutes 04.84 seconds. Gold went to Botswana’s Gakdogelwang Masheto, Obakeng Ngwigwa, Isaac Makwala and California Molefe who romped home in 3 minutes 03.16 seconds with Nigeria’s Bola Lawal, Saul Weigopwa, Victor Isaiah and James Godday taking silver in 3 minutes 03.99 seconds.
“My ambition will be to start a training programme for youngsters in collaboration with schools and very soon I will be attending some athletics courses,” said Chikomo, who believes his son Nigel Tom will take over his legacy.
With Ncube having already retired and now Chikomo following, Hwange coach and one of the best in the land, Kenny Nyape, has to take an active interest in schools athletics so as to identify talent, especially in sprints. The club has always produced and nurtured great talent that has gone on to represent the country at various international competitions.