National Sports

Kasiteni, Chirwa conquer cross-country race

 Kasiteni and Nalicy Chirwa emerged champions in the National Cross-Country held yesterday at Gymkhana Golf Club in Zomba.

Kasiteni won the 10 kilometres (km) men’s event in 33:09.32 with his rival Mphatso Nadolo on second in 34:11.90 while rookie Mascon Katema took up the last podium position in 34:13.84.

In the women’s 10 km event, Chirwa clocked 42:11.08 followed by new face Fostina Mbemba in 43:11.08 while veteran long distance runner Doris Fisha won bronze in 45:15.34.

Men’s Champions: Kasiteni

In the 8 km junior men, Chikondi Mwanyali won gold in 27:28;52, Frank Gondwe grabbed silver in 28:09.08 and Mwawi Kawaza settled for bronze in 28:51.07 while Moneyi Chingaipe won the 6km junior women’s race in 25:05.00, Martha Bakili settled for silver in 25:20.00 and Annie Ngóma finished the last podium position in 26:26:00.

In an interview yesterday, Athletics Association of Malawi acting general secretary Mzee Makawa applauded the participants for giving the race a competitive edge.

“The competition was well organised and highly competitive. It showed that the athletes had the hunger to compete as last year’s event was not as well patronised as this,” he said.

Makawa also commended Malawi National Council of Sports for supporting the event, saying: “They gave us K2 million which was used for prize money as well as other logistics to organise the race.”

He also commended Malawi Defence Force (MDF) for offering them a tent and ambulance during the race.

The guest of honour was Malawi National Council of Sports board chairperson Sunduzwayo Madise while MDF Commander General Vincent Nundwe was among high profile guests who attended the event

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