Promote juniors, Moyo tells Old Mutual

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
VETERAN long distance runner Samukeliso Moyo has challenged organisers of the Old Mutual Nkulumane 5km and 10km Fun Race to direct more resources to up-and-coming youngsters in a bid to develop athletics.

The fun race is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility programme

Moyo, one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated road runners, believes that Old Mutual can effectively contribute towards the development of athletics if they seek more juniors to participate.

Moyo won the 10km mistresses’ category (41-46 years) ahead of Thabitha Tsatsa.

The total prize money for the fun race, which had 530 participants, was $10,600 of which only $900 went to the junior girls and boys categories.

Old Mutual rewarded the top three juniors in each category with $200 for winners, $150 for the runner-up while the third placed athletes got $100.

“We applaud Old Mutual for sponsoring the Nkulumane fun race but my plea as a seasoned athlete is for sponsors to have at least more juniors rewarded so that we generate interest at the grassroots. Because I’m a product of a vibrant development policy, I know that if we’ve more youngsters being rewarded, they stand to improve even the existing times. Seasoned athletes should only be there to inspire youngsters and I’m sure they won’t mind if the top three are rewarded with the rest channelled to the juniors,” Moyo said.

Her campaign could spark an uproar amongst experienced athletes because the Old Mutual race has been paying them well.

The 10km open race’s top five got a total of $5,300.

Olivia Chitate won the women’s race in 33 minutes 40.71 seconds with Elijah Mabhunu coming first in the men’s category in 29 minutes 50.23 seconds. They each took home $1,000.

The first runners-up in each category went away with $750 with third placed athletes getting $500 while $300 was for fourth finishers.

A consolation prize of $100 was given to fifth placed athletes.

Juniors also competed in the 10km race.

Bulawayo Athletics Board chairman Manuel Mpofu said they would engage the sponsors about the possibility of increasing juniors’ prize money.

“It’s up to the sponsor to decide on the prizes. We’ll take it up with the sponsor when we begin discussions for the next edition. As Bab, we’re committed to developing athletics and we’ll look into issues raised by Samukeliso, an athlete who came through junior ranks,” Mpofu said.

Margaret Vera, the Old Mutual regional manager said they would look into the juniors’ issue.

“It’s something that’s worth considering for future events,” said Vera.

She said through the fun race, the integrated financial services group was promoting health and wellness in the community.

“The objective of this race is to promote the well-being and fun as well as increasing the awareness of Nkulumane Shopping Mall. The Bulawayo community has given Old Mutual its undying support in running the Nkulumane Mall. As Old Mutual, we believe we’ve a responsibility to be the most supportive of the communities we serve and this race is but a small token of our appreciation,” Vera said.

Results

10km Race

Open

Men: 1. Elijah Mabhunu (29mins 50.23sec), 2. George Majaji (30mins 15.34sec), 3. Lewis Banda (30mins 22.13sec), 4. Isaac Mpofu (30mins 31.82sec), 5. Givemore Mudzinganyama (30mins 40.55sec)

Women: 1. Olivia Chitate (33mins 40.71sec), 2. Constance Nyasango (34mins 25.42sec), 3. Patience Murove (38mins 31.68sec), 4. Faith Nyasango (38mins 40.08sec), 5. Sharon Tavengwa (40mins 46.32sec)

Juniors

Men: 1. Jay Kuveya (31mins 37.07sec), 2. Richmond Tinorwa (32mins 32.46sec), 3. Hlalani Ngwenya (33mins 28.18sec)

Women: 1. Neva Maganzo (45mins 37.47sec), 2. Sharon Taderera (47mins 18.37sec), 3. Cynthia Taderera (48mins 39.06sec)

Wheelchair

Men: 1. Elford Moyo, 2. Samson Muroyiwa, 3. Edmond Makutya

Women: 1. Thandiwe Ndlovu, 2. Ratidzo Tomu, 3. Margaret Bangajena

Veterans ( years)

Men: 1. Amos Chedondo, 2. Victor Ndlovu

Women: 1. Saneliso Sibanda, 2. Sophia Ndlovu

Masters

Men (50-59 years): 1. Kingstone Maringe, 2. Patrick Chipoyi

Women (years): 1. Samukeliso Moyo, 2. Tabitha Tsatsa