Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
SPORT will once again take centre stage as Zimbabwe ushers in its 46th Independence celebrations, with the Maphisa Half Marathon in Matobo and a high octane Delta Force Boxing Promotions bill in Harare set to open the commemorations on Saturday.
Maphisa, the host centre for this year’s national celebrations, will come alive early on Saturday morning as runners gather for an athletics event designed to appeal to a broad and diverse community of athletics enthusiasts and wellness lovers. Against the rolling Matobo landscape, the race promises not just competition, but celebration in motion. Takudzwa Zvobgo, a spokesperson for the organisers, confirmed yesterday that all preparations have been successfully concluded and that organisers are now eagerly awaiting the athletes at the starting line. Confidence, he said, is high, with every logistical detail carefully attended to.
The half marathon, organised by Marathons 4ED and the Zanu PF Youth League, offers a variety of distances aimed at ensuring inclusivity and broad participation. The flagship race will see men and women contest the 21,1km distance, while youths have also been given the opportunity to test themselves on the course. To broaden the appeal even further, special categories have been incorporated into the programme, including the 3km, 5km and 10km fun runs, ensuring that runners of all abilities can be part of the Independence celebrations.
“We have not left anyone behind, even those with disabilities competing on wheelchair are welcome and have been catered for in our preparations. We looking forward to a good race in Maphisa,” said Zvobgo.
While Maphisa pulses with the rhythm of pounding feet and communal energy, attention will also shift to Harare, where boxing fans are in for an explosive showcase. The Independence boxing tournament, promoted by Delta Force, is set to light up the City Sports Centre, bringing together local talent and international flair in what promises to be a night of high drama.
Adding to the build up, Bulawayo will also host a road race tomorrow at the Seventh Adventist Church, part of the countdown to the Joshua Mqabuko Marathon scheduled for April 26, ensuring that Independence celebrations resonate across multiple sporting fronts. Meanwhile, a strong contingent of international professional boxers has begun arriving in the country for the Harare showcase, including a United Kingdom based Zimbabwean pugilist whose presence adds intrigue to the bill. Dzikamai Joseph Maphosa may be 34 and still in pursuit of a major title, but the flyweight arrives with an impressive 15 1 1 record and an unbeaten run stretching across his last seven bouts, making him one of the names to watch on Saturday.
Maphosa’s opponent, Aubrey Masamba of Malawi, is expected to arrive in Harare today, setting the stage for a non title international bout that adds further weight to the evening’s programme.
Further international interest is guaranteed with the expected arrival of Chris Joshua Kazadi from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Namibia’s Gabriel Shimweefelen, who are scheduled to touch down at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Wednesday afternoon. A top referee and judge from France is also expected, underlining the quality and seriousness of the tournament assembled by Delta Force.
Beyond the international flavour, the boxing bonanza also presents a crucial platform for local fighters aiming to relaunch or elevate their careers. Among them is Kudakwashe Chiwandire, who will lock horns with Patience Masitara for the national featherweight title in a bout that carries significant career implications.
That contest will serve as the chief supporting attraction ahead of the main event, where Zvikomborero Chamhere and Marlon Chivero will go head to head in pursuit of the national super featherweight title, a clash expected to produce fireworks.
“It’s all going according to plan,” said Clyde Musonda of Delta Force, the stable behind the tournament. “Most of the international boxers arrive on Wednesday, the same day we expect Zimbabwean boxers from South Africa.
“Preparations are going on well. We want to make this tournament not only one to remember, but one that will also open opportunities for boxers. We are also expecting Donald Kapamba from Zambia and Emily Kubwalo who is based in South Africa,” added Musonda.
The card will also feature Bulawayo based Sehlisiwe Nhliziyo, who has a rare opportunity to showcase her talent on the capital’s stage when she takes on Revai Madondo, a bout that continues the drive to elevate women’s boxing.
Rounding off an already appetising line up are former World Boxing Federation champion Tinashe Madziwane and reigning Trabablas champion Clever Sithole, both eager to stamp their authority as Independence celebrations provide the perfect spotlight.
“It’s an exciting bout card with some appetizing matches,” said Musonda.
From the open roads of Matobo to the bright lights of the City Sports Centre, Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence celebrations will begin where passion, competition and national pride intersect — through sport.
