The Two Countries Marathon, which started in Musina, South Africa, and ended at Dulivhadzimu Stadium in Beitbridge, Zimbabwe, marked a significant milestone in sports diplomacy and regional cooperation.
The marathon, celebrated as a peak point of success for both countries, attracted athletes from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya.
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Albert Nguluvhe, led the closing ceremony at Dulivhadzimu Stadium. The Minister expressed profound gratitude to the organisers and all participating athletes, acknowledging both the winners and those who did not win but contributed to the event’s competitive spirit. He emphasised that the relationship between the two sister countries, Zimbabwe and South Africa, is growing stronger.
The Minister further announced that Matabeleland is set to benefit from the Trans-Limpopo Spatial Development Initiative (TSDI), a move aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and boosting economic development between the two nations.
The competition was fierce across all categories, with athletes demonstrating remarkable endurance and skill. The results were as follows:
Men’s 42km Race:
- Israel Mudimba (Zimbabwe) – R11,000
- Lutendo Mupotho (South Africa) – R5,500
- Nkosiyazi Sibanda (Zimbabwe) – R4,500
- Pfarelo Mathada (South Africa) – R3,500
- Fhatuwani Mushiyane (South Africa) – R2,500
Ladies’ 42km Race:
- Annie Chirisa (Zimbabwe) – R11,000
- Monica Kativu (Zimbabwe) – R5,500
- Evidence Muzamire (Zimbabwe) – R4,500
- Thifhelimbilu Mudau (South Africa) – R3,500
- Jane Mudau (South Africa) – R2,500
Men’s 21km Race:
- Mthokozisi Sibanda (Zimbabwe) – R8,000
- Isaac Langate (Kenya) – R3,500
- Thabo Might (Zimbabwe) – R2,500
- Richidze Makafe (South Africa) – R2,000
- Zanele Mutsipa (South Africa) – R1,500
Ladies’ 21km Race:
- Miracle Sibanda (Zimbabwe) – R8,000
- Philip Hard Dube (Zimbabwe) – R3,500
- Mthokozisi Mhlanga (Zimbabwe) – R2,500
- Nsvovo Kubaya (Zimbabwe) – R2,000
- Lanka Mashaba (South Africa) – R1,500
Men’s 10km Race:
- Tebuo Philusa (South Africa) – R3,500
- Simiso Ndlovu (South Africa) – R2,000
- Brave Moyo (Zimbabwe) – R1,500
- Michael Sibanda (Zimbabwe) – R1,000
- Desmond Mashingaidze (Zimbabwe) – R500
Ladies’ 10km Race:
- Abigirl Muraicho (Zimbabwe) – R3,500
- Tshiedzi Liphadzi (South Africa) – R2,000
- Mercy Ratsheve (South Africa) – R1,500
- Sibonile Tshitaudze (Zimbabwe) – R1,000
- Tetai Mabude (Zimbabwe) – R500
In the veteran category, Masindi Fhulufhedzani, Andy Ruvanda and Lindiwe each received R2,500. The master category saw Tshimangadzo Ndou, Evidence Nengovhele and Nkosiyazi Siziba each winning R2,000.
In the grand master category, Jane Mudau, Phinias Muvambo and Annie Chirisa were each awarded R1,500.
