Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga, Zimpapers Sports Hub
BULAWAYO long distance star, Isaac Mpofu, has once again put the city on the global athletics map and coach Benson Chauke couldn’t be prouder of the journey that has now earned both Mpofu and fellow marathoner, Tendai Zimuto, a place at this year’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
The championships are set for September 13 to 21 and Chauke says the qualification is the reward of years of perseverance, support and self-belief.
“I’m happy for the two of them. They’ve worked hard and supported each other. But more importantly, this proves that qualifying for these big stages is a long term process sometimes it takes two, three, or even four years,” said Chauke.
“The key is trusting that process: identify talent, give them the right coaching and resources, expose them to local and international races and the results will eventually come.”
Mpofu, based in Bulawayo and already a household name in distance running, has shown consistent improvement since his World Championships debut in Doha, Qatar, in 2019, where he clocked two hours 29 minutes 24 seconds.
Since then, the ZRP athlete has rewritten the national record books, with a blazing 2:06:48 marathon in Valencia, Spain, in 2022.
Zimuto, who transitioned to marathon running just last year, has also risen swiftly and now seems to be following in Mpofu’s footsteps.
“In Tendai’s case, I’m very thankful to the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) for seconding him to the national team throughout last year and this year. That move was crucial in helping him qualify,” said Chauke.
“And the same goes for Isaac, we’re grateful to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) for trusting the process and giving him the time and space to prepare with the national squad.”
Chauke also spoke of the importance of backing home-grown coaching solutions, saying Zimbabwe has the talent and technical capacity, if given the right support.
“There are times we look abroad for answers, but often, the solutions are right here at home.”
Interestingly, news of Mpofu and Zimuto’s qualification came through while they were already in camp for another training phase, one Chauke says may now stretch all the way to September.
“They’ve been in camp for two weeks now, and we’ve built that strong team spirit where they train in sync.
“We’re still consulting to see if we can access the funds to train in some specific locations. But essentially, this block has started and will continue building until Tokyo.”
Zimbabwe will also be represented by Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Makanakaishe Charamba in the 200m, and Vimbayi Maisvorewa in the 400m, all based in the United States.
