dyton mupawaenda
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
COACH Benson Chauke has hailed Zimbabwe’s marathon duo Isaac Mpofu and Tendai Zimuto after both qualified for the World Athletics Championships, saying their journey is a testament to years of disciplined effort, trust in the process, and the power of local support.
The global show-piece is scheduled for September 13 to 21 in Tokyo, Japan.
Chauke, who has worked closely with both distance runners, commended their resilience and commitment to long-term development. Mpofu and Zimuto earned their spots at the prestigious event through their World rankings.
“I’m happy for the two of them. They’ve worked hard, and they’ve worked together,” said Chauke.
“One thing I really want to highlight is that qualifying for big events like these is a process. It’s not something that happens overnight. For some athletes, it may take two, three, or even four years before the results begin to show.
“But the key is patience and belief. You have to trust the process, identify athletes with potential, give them a coach, support them with resources and camps, and expose them to competition both locally and abroad. With time, the results will come.”
Mpofu, who debuted at the World Championships in 2019 in Doha with a time of 2 hours, 29 minutes 24 seconds, has since transformed into Zimbabwe’s leading marathoner. In 2022, he set the national record of 2 hours, 6 minutes 48 seconds at the Valencia Marathon.
Zimuto, meanwhile, only transitioned to marathon running in 2023 but has already made significant strides. He now appears to be following in Mpofu’s footsteps as a rising force in the discipline.
“In the case of Tendai and Isaac, I’m so grateful to the organisations they come from,” said Chauke.
“Tendai is from the Zimbabwe National Army, and I thank his commanders for seconding him to the national team for most of last year and this year, a gesture that helped him qualify.
“Likewise, Isaac got support from the Zimbabwe Republic Police, who trusted the process and also seconded him to the national team.”
Chauke also took a moment to emphasize the value of home-grown coaching and solutions.
“I think Mr (Tendayi) Tagara has said it before: sometimes we look elsewhere for solutions, yet we have what it takes right here at home.”
The announcement of Mpofu and Zimuto’s qualification came while the duo was already in camp for another training block.
“It’s now been two weeks since they came together. We’ve built a sense of camaraderie where they’re training in sync, committed to the same block of preparation,” Chauke explained.
“We’re still in discussions about whether we’ll be able to access enough resources, financially, to train in specific venues, or even take brief breaks like allowing Isaac to return home occasionally.
“But essentially, this camp has already started and it won’t end until the World Championships in Tokyo this September.”
Other athletes who have qualified for Tokyo include United States-based sprinters Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Makanakaishe Charamba, both in the 200m, as well as Vimbayi Maisvorewa, who will compete in the 400m.
Online Reporter