The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
THIRTY five athletes have qualified for the semi-finals of the Coca-Cola Four-Minute Mile Challenge to be conducted at White City Stadium on Friday, a day before the final race at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Main Arena.
Cassious Moyo of Gwanda-based LM Academy was the last athlete to book his place in the semi-finals when he qualified in a time of four minutes 30,15 seconds at Phelandaba Stadium in the Matabeleland South capital yesterday. Four managed to make it at the trials held at White City Stadium during the Independence Day celebrations last Wednesday, one of these being veteran Wirimai Juwawo.
Defending champion Trust Chidomaya of ZRP Fairbridge is one of the 35 who will compete in the semi-finals after he qualified in a time of four minutes 19,81 seconds. Chidomaya has the second fastest time for the qualifiers which is an indication of how prepared he is to defend the title he won last year.
Nyasha Mutsetse of Tsanzaguru of Rusape was the fastest qualifier in a time of four minutes 17,81 seconds.
Bulawayo Athletics Board chairman Manuel Mpofu said the qualifying time for the semi-finals was four minutes 31,00 seconds.
Only 20 athletes with the best times on the day will make it to the final from the semi-finals to be run in two heats. Mpofu expressed his happiness with the number of athletes who have made it to the semi-finals.
“We are satisfied because these are the kind of numbers we usually have, this time the athletes are hungry for the prize money,’’ Mpofu said.
Chidomaya took the top prize of $800, Willard Mutasa picked up $400 for finishing second while third-placed Blessing Chidziva of ZRP was rewarded with $350.
Coca-Cola Four Minute Mile Challenge semi-final list
Dumoluhle Mkhwananzi, Denford Mlilo, Michael Moyo, Thando Maphosa (all Sparrows), Xolani Nkiwane (City Meats), Christopher Gondwe(Blanket), Respect Chinosiya (Supreme Strides), Wellington Varewi, Bornface Jeki, Moses Tarakinyu, Levison Mapfuwa, Tendai Zimuto, Tatenda Hove, Tapiwa Chineka, Trust Hove, Charles Mukanda, Nyasha Chiuswa, Blessing Whyson, Arthur Chitara, (all Black Rhinos), Nomore Wiriki(ZPCS), Blessmore Chidziva, Elijah Mabhunu, Munyaradzi Jari(all ZRP), Lawrence Khakabwe (Amen Academy), Nyasha Mutsetse (Tsanzaguru Athletics Club), Trust Chidomaya, Ngonidzashe Ncube, Isaac Mpofu, Michael Chimuka, Amon Moyo(all ZRP Fairbridge), Spencer Makuwaza (Zimplats), Wirimai Juwawo(Independent), Willard Mutasa (Bulawayo Jumbos), Tapiwa Manyanga (ZRP), Cassious Moyo (LM Academy). -@Mdawini_29
