SA title defence eludes Moyo

Long distance runner Henry Moyo failed to defend the Zululand Municipality (Nong’oma) Ultra-Marathon title in South Africa on Sunday but his position and finishing time are still unknown to the Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM).

But according to the report on The Zululand Observer website www.zululandobserver.co.za Moyo was not among the top four athletes during the 56-kilometre event that attracted about 800 athletes from South Africa and the neighbouring countries.

The publication reported that Zimbabwe’s Peter Tadzilira won the race in 3:15:03 hours to take home the R20 000 cash prize. He was followed by Petros Sosibo (3:26:16 hours), Bongani Msimango (3:26:34 hours) and Sandile Makhaye (3:26:42 hours).

Tadzilira’s finishing time failed to match Moyo’s last year record by two minutes.

AAM vice-general secretary Mzee Makawa told The Nation on Thursday that they are not aware of Moyo’s results in South Africa due to communication breakdown.

“We do not know how he performed in South Africa because we have not been able to communicate with him since he left for the competition about two weeks ago. However, he is still our athlete and we are anxious to know his whereabouts and exploits,” said Makawa.

Before leaving for the international race, Moyo said he would try his best to defend the title and make the country proud.