Kasten, Theresa conquer Ching’ombe
Malawi’s long-distance runner Cephas Kasten upstaged Chancy Master to win the Ching’ombe Cross-Country at Kamuzu Institute for Sports in Lilongwe on Saturday.
Master came second while Malawi Defence Force (MDF) champion John Kayange was third in the men’s 12-kilometre senior category.
MDF dominated the category with six runners in the top 10 of 66 athletes who took part.
“We slept in the bus as we arrived late from Mulanje and I did not have a proper diet. This affected my performance. I could have done better,” said Master.
Kasten, who won K50 000, gave credit to his trainer.
“My coach told me exactly what to do. I was watching closely how Master was running and I adjusted to that. It is about tactics and not juju as some people are saying,” said Kasten
Theresa Master redeemed master’s name when she won the women’s category ahead of Doris Fischer and Nancy Matanda who came second and third, respectively.
Master also took home K50 000.
In six kilometres category, Gervazio Mpani was the champion, followed by Harry Sichali and Abinai Tchinga while in women’s category, the honours went to Marita Phiri who was followed by Mercy Malembo and Evelyn Banda.
The champions in the junior categories received K40 000 each.
Speaking during prize presentation, Malawi National Sports Council (MNSC) vice-board chairperson Emmanuel Gondwe appealed to corporate citizens to assist the sport to grow.
“We need more money in the sport to motivate the runners so that we can produce world stars,” said Gondwe
Dairibord managing director Theodora Nyamandi said her company is committed to complementing government efforts to promote sports in the country.
“We watched great talent today among both girls and boys. We are always proud to be part of this competition as we unearth future talent to represent Malawi,” said Nyamandi.
The event was graced by the presence of director of sports James Ndalama and senior MDF officers.
