adminLovemore Dube Senior Sports Editor
FORMER road running king, Tendai Chimusasa, has found a new passion in golf. The former marathon record holder, a dominant force in road running at home and abroad in the 1990s and at the turn of the century, was among the players at the Hwange Charferfly Golf Open which ended on Sunday. It was a three-day golf bonanza which attracted participants from all over the country.
Chimusasa has improved his game and now has a handicap of 11 and plays in the national ‘A’ Division, a rung below the elite class who are golfers close to turning professional.
At this stage of his career he does not know how far it will take him. “I will keep on playing and hoping to improve my game,” he said after his final putt on the 18th hole on Sunday.
Chimusasa held the national record over the marathon at 2 hours 10 minutes 57 seconds for close to 17 years. Rising road runner, Cuthbert Nyasango, has since bettered it to 2 hours 09 minutes.
“I have been playing golf since 2010 when I turned my back on athletics. I have found myself at peace with this sport where you play to your strengths in all respects. You train and play as and when you want. It was a good tournament and feeling being out here.
“It was also a pleasant surprise for me to meet former national teammates like Temba Ncube and Gabriel Chikomo,” said Chimusasa.
The athlete, who after retiring ventured into coaching and was at one time national convenor of selectors, does not regret his switch to golf.
“Athletics in the country eventually turned hostile to its own stars. So many of us are no longer active and are venturing into other hobbies because of frustration. It would be nice to contribute back to the sport but at times you find yourself irrelevant to those in office,” said Chimusasa.
In a glittering career, Chimusasa clocked some of the best times in the 5,000 and 10,000m track events. When he turned to the road, he did not disappoint, posting immaculate times in both the 21 and 42km events.
“It was good to see my record being broken by Cuthbert Nyasango. That is what the sport needs, new champions all the time,” said the Zimbabwe National Army warrant officer.
He said despite being successful in athletics, he had joined the army because he had always loved the job.
A bronze medallist at the Algerian All-Africa Games in 2007, Chikomo echoed Chimusasa’s sentiments about former athletes feeling isolated yet they can contribute positively to the sport. “All is not well in our sport, there is just a lot of brains being put to waste. People who could be contributing to the growth of track and field, including road running, were frustrated out of the sport. Another problem is sponsorship.
“I would like to urge other athletes to consider giving back to the sport. Next year I will be working with Thomas Coulter Primary School athletes. The future lies in these children, they are the future,” said Chikomo.
Chimusasa is not the odd one out of the yesteryear greats to turn his back on the sport.
One of the best coaches of Chikomo and Chimusasa’s era, Kenny Nyape, has switched his attention to Hwange Football Club in the Zimbabwe Premiership.
Online Reporter