adminRay Bande Mutare Bureau
BATtLE-HARDENED Mutare athlete Millen Mathende, who is part of the five-member Team Zimbabwe representing the country in the IAAF World Championships in London, is bubbling with confidence ahead of the prestigious competition.
Mathende, who left the country yesterday, will be representing Zimbabwe in the male’s marathon together with Cuthbert Nyasango and Pardon Ndhlovu.
The duo of Rutendo Nyahora and Fortunate Chidzivo will feature in the women’s competition. Mathende, who is now attached to Black Rhinos Athletics Club but traces his roots to Nyamauru High in Dangamvura where he did his secondary education, says he will not be intimidated by competing in this race for the first time.
“This is going to be my first time competing in this race and I am happy that I have finally made it. This is a big stage where everyone wants to impress even though there will be some of the world’s best athletes (at the event).
“I am confident of making a huge impact in the competition,” said Mathende.
National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe director for coaching Lismat Phakamile, who is the head of delegation, said the athletes had enough time to prepare for the international event.
“Millen (Mathende), like all the team athletes, has a good opportunity to perform well and represent us well. The team was very focused in camp and prepared very well for this event,” said Pakamile.
Anticipated to attract thousands of fans and following 26.2 miles along the banks of the River Thames and zig-zagging through some of the finest landmarks of London such as the Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s Cathedral, the free-to-spectator races will end at the London Tower Bridge.
Of the 107 athletes from 54 nations entered to compete, those likely to be spearheading the charge for the medals in the men’s field is a strong East African contingent led by Ethiopia’s world number two Tamirat Tola and Kenya’s Daniel Wanjiru and Gideon Kipketer, ranked third and fourth in the world this year.
Online Reporter