Sibanda eyes Gutu half-marathon

Sport
BLANKET Mine’s middle-distance runner Nkosiyazi Sibanda is gunning for a fourth title this year as he prepares for the Simon Muzenda Gutu half-marathon

BLANKET Mine’s middle-distance runner Nkosiyazi Sibanda is gunning for a fourth title this year as he prepares for the Simon Muzenda Gutu half-marathon to be held in Masvingo on October 26. RONALD MOYO SPORTS REPORTER

Sibanda, who recently won the maiden Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo half-marathon after clocking a record time of one hour five mins 42secs said he was working hard to win the fourth race this year.

“I am working hard to win this one. I know anything is possible so I promise to put the best of my performances,” Sibanda said.

The 32-year-old middle distance runner has won the Victoria Falls 42km race and Two Countries half-marathon in South Africa.

In the Simon Muzenda race — which celebrates the life of the late Vice-President “Mzee” — Sibanda will be making his fifth appearance in the annual race.

He came third in 2006, second in 2007 and 2008, and fifth last year.

Sibanda said he would work hard to beat the defending champion Wirimayi Zhuwawo who hit the tap in one hour two minutes to win last year’s competition.

Sibanda has so far this year beaten Zhuwawo in the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo race.

“Obviously Zhuwawo is the threat because he beat us last year and he always gives me stiff competition and he is also looking forward to winning it as well. But I will try my best,” Sibanda said.

Zhuwawo will be bouncing back for the Gutu race as he was recovering from a 10-month injury.

Sibanda said the route for the Gutu half-marathon is fair and he will use it to his advantage to win and is also looking for favourable weather conditions.