Long distance athlete Asimenye Simwaka has opted out of the Scorchers squad to defend her National Cross-Country Championship title tomorrow at Kamuzu Academy’s Kachere Golf Course in Mtunthama, Kasungu.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) competitions and communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka confirmed that the attacker cum athlete will not be part of the Scorchers squad that will travel to Zambia for two international friendly matches against Zambia’s Copper Queens on February 20 and 23.
Simwaka | Courtesy of Simwka
He said: “She did not report to camp due the cross-country. Her employers, Malawi Defence Force [MDF] wrote us to excuse her for the assignment. So she is out.”
Her coach Rodwell Kamwendo in an interview yesterday said the MDF team is already in Kasungu where they camped for the event.
He said: “All the athletes are ready for the National Cross-Country and we are confident that once again they will win medals.”
Last year, Simwaka defended the women’s 10-kilometre (km) race after 41:02:01 at Gymkhana Club in Zomba.
Chikondi Mwanyali also defended the men’s 10km race in 32:22:80. He is also hoping to defend the title
Athletics Malawi (AM) technical director Dennis Phiri said they expect over 200 athletes to participate in 10 km race for senior men and women, 8km race for junior men and 6 km race for junior women.
Malawi National Council of Sports has sponsored the event, according to AM president Kondwani Chamwala.
He said: “We are thankful to Sports Council for the support towards this event. We believe this will be another successful and competitive national championship.”
Sports Council spokesperson Edgar Ntulumbwa said they want AM to hold more competitions.
He said: “As council we are excited about the cross country, we believe that if athletics is to develop in the country there is need for more competitions such as these because this is where talent is identified and nurtured.”
