Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
WHEN the Africa Senior Athletics Championships begins in Ghana next Tuesday, there will be plenty of excitement, fast races and proud moments. Among those flying Zimbabwe’s flag will be a man from Matabeleland South whose journey has been built on years of hard work and quiet dedication.
His name is Phakamile Lisimati, a teacher and sports coach based in Gwanda town. To many, he is more than just a coach – he is someone who has spent years shaping young talent in both athletics and football, helping them believe in themselves and reach for higher levels.
Zimbabwe has sent a team of 12 athletes to what is expected to be a highly competitive championships. In the middle of it all is Lisimati, who has put together a strong team made up of both experienced athletes and young runners who are still finding their feet. It is a balanced group, full of energy and potential, with just the right mix of confidence and calm.
Lisimati has assembled a very promising team of experienced athletes and a crop of youngsters basking under the shade of expectation and no pressure at all.
His journey in athletics has not been a short one. For more than 20 years, Lisimati has worked in different roles within the sport, often behind the scenes. In the past three years, however, his work has stood out more, especially as he has worked with top athletes like Makanakaishe Charamba and Tapiwanashe Makarawu, who have made a name for themselves on bigger stages.
Last weekend brought one of his biggest moments yet. At the World Relays, Lisimati stood on the sidelines as his team finished fifth in a tough race against strong countries like Botswana, South Africa, Portugal and the Netherlands. For many, it was a clear sign that Zimbabwe’s team, even with limited resources, can compete at a high level.
Working with only four locally based 400m runners who can run under 47 seconds, Lisimati focused on building their strength and confidence. He brought out the best in captain Gerren Muwishi, Dennis Hove, Leeford Zuze and Thandazani Ndlovu, turning them into a well-organised team that trusted each other.
Their performance spoke for itself. In the semi-finals, they broke the national record with a time of 2 minutes 59.01 seconds in the 4x400m relay. It was a big achievement, especially for Lisimati, who comes from Matabeleland South.
The coach and his quartet had broken a 29-year-old record previously of 3 minutes 00.79 seconds altering it to 3 minutes 00.69 seconds before making history with the first ever sub three minutes 400m of 2 minutes 59.01 seconds.
Even in the final, where they faced some of the best teams in the world, they held their own and finished fifth with a time of 2 minutes 59.75 seconds.
The result also secured their place at next year’s World Championships in Beijing, giving Lisimati yet another chance to compete on the world stage. Having already been to the Olympics and World Championships before, this is another important step in his journey.
Frank Baloyi, the Matabeleland South deputy director in the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture, described Lisimati as the pride of the province.
“He is a sports leader, coach, a celebrated icon not only in Matabeleland South but in Zimbabwe, he is one of those who have taken athletics in the country to a higher level, leading teams that have represented the country on several outings, and has never disappointed. Lisimati is now one of the most experienced athletics coaches who deserves recognition,” said Baloyi.
Matabeleland South has produced many talented athletes over the years, including Elijah Nkala, Vuyani Fulunga Moyo, Charles Mafika, Samukeliso Moyo, Caroline Ncube, Merylin Khumalo, Zibusiso Nyoni and Nkosiyazi Sibanda. Their success has helped put the province on the map.
Under Lisimati’s guidance, the province has continued to perform well, especially in the National Association of Secondary School Heads Championships, where it has remained one of the strongest teams.
As the championships draw closer, Lisimati and his athletes will be preparing for another big test. For him, it is not just about winning races, but about showing what can be achieved through hard work, belief and proper guidance. His story is a reminder that even from small places, great things can grow.
