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Ricky Zililo Sports Reporter
THE country’s soccer giants Highlanders and Dynamos are set to clash in a tournament meant to celebrate the life of the late Vice-President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo before the end of the year. Addressing guests and athletes after the end of the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Half-Marathon at Induba Primary School on Sunday, the Joshua Nkomo National Foundation chief executive officer Jabulani Hadebe said the memorial soccer competition will be known as the Umdala Wethu Charity Shield.
Hadebe said they were using sport as a medium to keep Nkomo’s legacy alive.
“There are many programmes that the Joshua Nkomo National Foundation will be implementing to keep the Vice-President’s legacy alive.
This marathon is not the first sporting activity that this organisation has held as we remember our departed leader. There is an annual golf tournament that is held in Victoria Falls and this year’s edition is set for November.
“Plans are also underway to have Highlanders and Dynamos clash in the inaugural Umdala Wethu Charity Shield which if all goes well will be played over two legs in December. We are in the process of communicating with stakeholders and we will advise you of the developments as we go along,” said Hadebe.
The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele confirmed that the Joshua Nkomo National Foundation had approached them.
“Their CEO talked to me about that idea (Umdala Wethu Charity Shield) set for the end of the season but they are yet to make formal submissions,” Ndebele said.
Meanwhile, Sunday’s 21km race was a success as it had a field of 450 athletes including 180 seniors.
Matabeleland South long distance runner Nkosiyazi Sibanda won the race in one hour five minutes and 42 seconds pipping pre-race favourite Wirimai Juwawo who crossed the finishing line in one hour five minutes and 59 seconds.
Another seasoned athlete Kelvin Pangiso was fourth in one hour six minutes and 12 seconds, followed by Ngonidzashe Ncube 35 seconds later while Chingoka was in one hour six minutes and 48 seconds.
Elijah Mabhunu who finished third thanked the organisers and called for more competitions.
“As athletes we always applaud such competitions as we earn a living from running. This was a good race and even the guys gave their best. I hope next year’s edition will be even bigger and better,” said Mabhunu.
In the women’s category, Matopos 33 Miller Ultra-Marathon 21km race winner Olivia Chitate came first in one hour 23 minutes and 35 seconds and in the process took home the $500 prize money as well as a bicycle.
Sibanda also took home $500 and a bicycle which was donated by Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube.
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs for Bulawayo Nomthandazo Eunice Moyo, Dube and Bulawayo Mayor Martin Moyo were some of the high profile people who attended the Half-Marathon.
Half-Marathon Results
Men: 1. Nkosiyazi Sibanda (1hr 05mins 42sec), 2. Wirimayi Juwawo (1hr 05mins 59sec), 3. Elijah Mabhunu (1hr 06mins 00sec), 4.Kelvin Pangiso (1hr 06mins 12sec), 5. Ngonidzashe Ncube (1hr 06mins 47sec), 6.Jonathan Chingoka (1hr 06mins 47sec), 7. Phathisa Ngwabi (1hr 07mins 17sec), 8. Milton Matende (1hr 07mins 23sec), 9. Simbarashe Chikadaya (1hr 07mins 42sec), 10. Isaac Mpofu (1hr 08mins 08sec)
Women: 1. Olivia Chitete (1hr 23mins 35ec), 2. Faith Nyasango (1hr 25mins 21sec), 3. Hellen Chiundo (1hr 27mins 52sec), 4. Annie Chirisa (1hr 28mins 22sec), 5. Phillipa Chivore (1hr 28mins 25sec)
Wheelchair 21km
Men: 1. Elford Moyo (1hr 04mins 03sec), 2. Samson Muroyiwa (1hr 04mins 29sec)
Women: 1. Margaret Bangajena 2. Thandiwe Ndlovu, 3. Magdalene Madzivire, 3. Ratidzo Tom
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