Can Sibanda win the Two Countries again?

Can Nkosiyazi Sibanda win the esteemed Two Countries Marathon again for the seventh time? This is the question on the lips of all road-running fans in the area. The marathon will take place tomorrow (Saturday).

The marathon will start in Zimbabwe, cross the Beit Bridge and finish at Eric Louw High School in Musina. This is the 19^th year that the race is being held and it is once again organised by the Soutpansberg Athletics Club, in co-operation with Musina Municipality.

As usual, the main event is the marathon (42,2km), but there will also be a half-marathon (21,1km) amd a 9km road race. The 9-km race is hosted by Eric Louw High.

The marathon will start at 06:00 and compulsory free transport will be provided from Eric Louw to the starting line. The 21,1km races will start at 07:00. The start and finish for the half-marathon and the 9km race is Eric Louw High. The 9km race will start at 07:30.

According to the organisers, athletes must pre-enter for this race and must be in possession of a valid passport on the day of the race.

Elijah Mutandiro, who finised in second place last year, six minutes behind Nkosiyazi Sibanda, is one of the favourites to win this year's event. "I don’t think it will be an easy race, because I expect a large number of good runners on the day," he said earlier this week. "I have been training hard to prepare for the race," he added and said he did not want to let his supporters down.

Observers warn, however, that Nkosinathi Sibanda should not be underestimated. He is always well prepared for the race and plans on defending his title and the course record he set last year. According to him, he cannot let his supporters from Zimbabwe down, because "they know this race is for Zimbabweans".

In the other categories, many tough battles are expected. Local favourite and veteran runner Jane Mudau says that she trained hard to win her category and also to set a new course record. She won the master's section last year and ended second overall in the ladies race.

Lizzy Chokera says she aims to break the record of the ladies division of the marathon. “With the hard work I put into my training sessions, anything is possible. It wasn’t difficult for me to win the medals in the previous marathons," she said

Olivia Chitachi says she is in perfect condition and ready to become the new ladies champion. According to her, she cannot let her fans and her country down.

“I started to prepare for the Two Countries Marathon a long time ago, and I am sure I will do my best this year. I made a few mistakes in the last marathons, but I look forward to rectifying them and crossing the finish line in top form,” said Mutshidzi Muravha of Vhembe Athletics Club.

According to the spokesperson for the Musina Municipality, Mr Wilson Dzebu, the purpose of the marathon is to promote long-distance running in the area. Dzebu appealed to the runners to be punctual at the registration point. "We have polished our act and people can expect fireworks this year. We have managed to draw big names to this race, which will give it the stature it deserves," he said. The mayor of Musina, Cllr Mihloti Muhlope, will present the prizes after the race.

Prize money of R73 200 is at stake in the event. The winner of the marathon will win R7 000 in the open races for men and women, and the winners of the half-marathons will receive R3 000 each. The winners of the 10km races will receive R1 000 each.

Date:23 September 2016

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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