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Augustine Hwata Sports Reporter
ONE of Zimbabwe’s top endurance athletes Martin Mbofana’s dream of competing at the World Duathlon Championships has been completely ruined after he failed to travel to Canada for the event last weekend. Mbofana was aiming to hoist the Zimbabwean flag but he failed to raise enough funds for his air ticket and subsistence.
The 38-year old Mbofana had been hoping to get sponsors for the US$3 000 needed to get himself and his bicycle to Ottawa.
“It’s very disappointing that I have failed to take part at the World Championships.
“It was going to open more horizons for me but unfortunately I could not raise the cash.
“But I will not lose heart and should continue to consolidate my status as the top athlete in Zimbabwe at the moment,” said Mbofana.
Mbofana, who is a sports coach at Arundel and Mabelreign Girls High, said he will now look at the South African calendar to see what is on offer.
“I qualified for the World Championship during the All-Africa Duathlon Championships in Potchefstroom on May 5, this year.
“Although I finished last in the elite category, my time of 2 hours 19 mins was good enough to qualify for the World Championship.
“Now I will look again at the South African season and find events that could be rewarding if I compete and do well,” he said.
Duathlon is an endurance sport that starts with a 10km run and then 40km bicycle ride before finishing off with a 5km run.
Mbofana also takes part in mini-triathlon (run, cycling and swimming) and road races locally.
“While I am a champion in duathlon, it’s tricky in triathlon because of the swimming. I cannot stand swimming up to 2km, it’s just not in me,” he said.
Last week, Mbofana took part in the Kariba Half marathon while he has also taken part in the Comrades and Two Oceans ultra marathons.
Online Reporter