PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe yesterday urged Brazil-bound athletes to go and shine at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics running between August 5 and 21.
BY HENRY MHARA
Mugabe hosted a send-off ceremony for Team Zimbabwe at State House for the 31 athletes and 26 officials, who were expected to leave this morning via Johannesburg to arrive in Rio tomorrow.
He implored the athletes to be driven by the passion to do their best for their country at the world’s most prestigious Games.
“Team Zimbabwe stand on the verge of writing a new page in the annals of our 36-year history as a nation,” Mugabe said. “We enjoin them as our ambassadors in sport, to be beacons and role models to the whole nation in general, and to our youth in particular.”
The veteran leader was flanked by his two deputies, Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko.
“As we send off Team Zimbabwe, we are confident that they will perform to the best of your ability and to add more medals to our current Olympic medal haul of eight medals. We expect you to display the highest standards of discipline, sportsmanship and to market brand Zimbabwe in a positive manner,’ he added.
Zimbabwe, who are sending their biggest ever delegation to the Olympics, will be represented in seven disciplines, aquatics, archery, athletics, equestrian, women football, rowing and shooting.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Part of the contingent of Team Zimbabwe at the farewell party included the Mighty Warriors team, long distance runners Rutendo Nyahora, Wirimai Zhuwawo, Pardon Ndhlovu and Cuthbert Nyasango, while those that are based outside the country including Kirst Coventry would connect straight to Rio.
“As you mingle with more than 10 000 athletes from all over the world, it should not be lost upon you that the joyful aspirations of the 14 million Zimbabweans hinge on their dignified presence and sterling performance at this festival of sport,” Mugabe said.
Mugabe did not promise any rewards to the athletes should they excel but has previously rewarded handsomely those that shine at major international competitions.
The Mighty Warriors will get Team Zimbabwe’s campaign underway when they play Germany at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo on August 3, two days before the opening ceremony.
Kick-off is 11pm Zimbabwe time.
They then take on Canada at the same venue three days later, at 8pm Zimbabwe time, before concluding their group matches against fifth-ranked Australia at the Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador.
The Shadreck Mlauzi-coached side, who were camped at Bindura University, is expected to play China on Friday in a friendly match.
Team Zimbabwe athletes: Rudo Neshamba, Rutendo Nyahora, Marjoty Nyaumwe, Andy Peebles, Gabriel Mvumvure, Micheen Thornycroft, Sean Gunn, Chido Dzingirai, Erina Jeke, Wirimai Zhuwawo, Daisy Kaitano, Sheilla Makoto, Rejoice Kapfumvuti, Kudakwashe Bhasopo, Talent Mandaza, Lynette Mutokuto, Felistas Muzongondi, Rutendo Makore, Gavin Sutherland, Emma Msipa, Kirsty Coventry, Tatenda Tsumba, Mike Nicholson, Samkelisiwe Zulu,
Eunice Chibanda, Cuthbert Nyasango, Pardon Ndhlovu, Nobuhle Majika, Lindiwe Magwede, Camilla Kruger, Mavis Chirandu.
