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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
LONG distance runner Isaac Mpofu and sprinter Denzel Siamulela are expected to be the big winners at the Bulawayo Athletics Board (Bab) end-of-year awards set for this Saturday at a Bulawayo hotel.
Both athletes have enjoyed a successful calendar year in 2022. Mpofu broke the national record in long-distance running twice this year. The first time was in July when he crossed the finish line in 2hrs 7 minutes 57 seconds as he finished 10th at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States.
The previous record stood at 2hrs 9 minutes 52 seconds set by Cuthbert Nyasango in 2014. He managed to break the record again at the Valencia Marathon in Spain where he ran a time of 2 hours 6 minutes 48 seconds.
Siamulela represented the country at the World Junior Championships held in Cali Colombia. Zimbabwe fielded two athletes at the Championships, Panashe Nhenga and Bulawayo-based Siamulela.
Although both athletes could not progress past the heats in the 100m and 200m, respectively, a lot of positives were picked up from their experience. Siamulela and Nhenga were also part of team Zimbabwe at the Africa Senior Championships held in Mauritius in June.
Siamulela was part of the 4x100m relay team that won a bronze medal at the continental meet. These feats make them favourites to walk away with accolades come Saturday.
Athletes will get awards in categories such as best long-distance athlete, best athlete in the senior women and men and best middle-distance runner.
Bab chairperson Watson Madenyika said they are ready for the big day.
“Preparations for the event are going on well. We are looking forward to the day when we honour our athletes for their hard work,” said Madenyika. – @innocentskizoe
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