adminLiberty Dube
ZIMBABWE based long-distance runners who took part at the Soweto Marathon held in Johannesburg, South Africa on Sunday dominated and raised the country’s flag high after scooping four medals. Despite the scorching weather that characterised the day, Zimbabwean, Mike Fokorani defied all odds and scooped a gold medal in the 42km contest. He finished second.
Top ten athletes in the esteemed contest receive gold medals. Moffat Mistake got a silver medal in the 21km race after finishing in one hour, 19 minutes. The hardworking female runner, Rutendo Nyahora, came out tops in the 10 km race and scooped a gold medal, while Dangamvura-based lanky runner, Tendai Chamwandoita gave a good account of himself when he finished the 42km race in 3hrs, 12min. He scooped a bronze medal.
The race, which is one of Johannesburg most popular races, saw more than 19 000 athletes participating. In a hearty interview, Chamwandoita lamented lack of support from stakeholders saying with adequate resources local athletes can do ever better. Chamwandoita claimed that he had to run for 16km to the starting point after he failed to acquire money for transport.
He, however, paid tribute to artiste, Henry Tsopotsa, his family and members of St James United Methodist Church for financial and emotional assistance.
“It is painful to note that I received $2 from Sports and Recreation Commission official, Shupikai Berejena for food and transport yet I am doing this for my beloved country. I have been fighting a lone battle. I feel I am in this alone. In most of my endevours, I have been toiling to get financial assistance. Local athletes have the room to do better if they get the necessary support. It is sad that I had to run for 16kms after I could not attain transport fee to the starting point,” said the former Dangamvura High School student.
But this is not new to Chamwandoita. It has become a norm that the runner’s preparations are always marred by financial hiccups. In last time’s edition of the Soweto Marathon, the lanky runner did piece jobs around Mutare to raise funds for training, transport and accommodation. He left Zimbabwe last Thursday and arrived two days before participating in the energy-sapping race.
The 43-year-old said he was now preparing for the 32km Tough One race to be held in Johannesburg on November 22. The lanky athlete’s previous accolades include a silver medal in the 2013-2014 Two Countries Marathon (from Beitbridge to Musina) as well as a bronze medal in the 56km Two Oceans Marathon (Atlantic to Indian Ocean).
Last year, he finished on position 63 in the Two Oceans Marathon which saw about 26 000 taking part in the race.
Online Reporter