Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR Moses Tarakinyu, the Nelson Mandela Marathon scheduled for Sunday in Cape Town, South Africa, is more about chasing a podium finish.
The Black Rhinos Athletics Club runner and Zimbabwe National Army member is expected to leave for South Africa today ahead of the race.
ZNA, through their Army School of Physical Training and Sports, yesterday held a send-off ceremony for Tarakinyu.
Speaking at the function held in Harare, Tarakinyu, who is just coming from the BMW Berlin Marathon, said that despite limited time to recover from his previous race and prepare for the upcoming event, he is hopeful of a podium finish.
“I just came from the Berlin Marathon recently. So, in terms of fitness and preparation we are relying on what we did ahead of the Berlin Marathon because we have not really done any preparation specifically for this race.
“We just worked on maintaining on what we had already done. So, we were just doing jogs and just ensuring the body maintains what we already did for the Berlin Marathon.
“This marathon I am not expecting time. But I am just expecting a podium finish,” said Tarakinyu.
Guest of honour at the send-off, Training Staff Officer Grade One Coordination, Lemmy Buchirai, who was representing Brigadier General Training, Samuel Sibanda, commended Tarakinyu for his achievements over the years, highlighting some of the races he has dominated on the local scene and outside Zimbabwe.
“As you go to South Africa for the Nelson Mandela Marathon, I urge you, Tarakinyu, to keep the flag flying high.
“We have confidence in you that you will make it. You are now an experienced athlete.
“I know you won’t be distracted by going to South Africa. It’s not your first time. You have been there, you have been to Germany, you have been all over.
“So, we just hope that you bring us some medals and make us proud and make people so proud. I want to say, give it your best,” said Buchirai.
He also lauded Tendai Zimuto, another Black Rhinos Athletics Club athlete and member of the ZNA, for the positive strides he has been making over the years, including his participation at the Berlin Marathon.
And emphasised the importance of discipline that the two athletes continue to show.
“I normally travel with you guys from time to time when I am free. I really want to applaud your discipline, the way you go about your business. I have never had any problems with discipline, or noticed any.
“So, keep up your discipline, work hard, and the sky is the limit.”
Also present at the send-off ceremony was Commandant Army School of Physical Training and Sports, Allen Chagonda. And partners supporting Tarakinyu, including Zenith Car Rental operations director Learnmore Gusvure.
Gusvure said they are pleased to be partnering Tarakinyu.
“We have worked with Moses a number of times, and we have seen value in partnering with him because in the local scene he has won almost anything that a dedicated athlete can win.
“So, we feel it is his time now to shine on the world stage. He has got gold, silver, whatever you can mention, from the local scene.
“And going to Berlin we were with him as well, we supported him in kind. We were with him throughout the training until he left Zimbabwe to go for Berlin.
“And we are glad to be partnering with him again for this Nelson Mandela Marathon,” said Gusvure.
