Moyo withdraws from C’wealth squad

Veteran marathon runner Henry Moyo has made a U-turn on representing Malawi at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland in July.

The Zomba-based athlete has instead opted to compete in money-spinning Legends Marathon in Eastern Cape, South Africa this September. The Legends Marathon has a sponsorship of R1 million (K40 million).

Moyo claimed there was uncertainty about the South African event, hence his earlier Commonwealth Games commitment.

“After receiving an invitation from the Legends Marathon, I have decided to give a chance to equally good athletes such as Mike Tebulo and John Kayange. It will be difficult for me to compete in the 42 kilometres for the Commonwealth, then the 68 kilometres for the Legends,” explained Moyo.

Organisers of local Commonwealth Games team, Malawi Olympic Committee’s secretary general Jappie Mhango, yesterday said he was not aware of Moyo’s withdrawal.

Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) president Godfrey Phiri on Tuesday said they would have loved to have Moyo in Glasgow.

Moyo finished eighth at the 2014 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon in South Africa last month, but his prizes, estimated at K5 million, await doping test results.

“I know. He was given up to May 31 to confirm. We really wanted him to be part of the team, but we cannot deny him a chance to compete where he thinks there is money. He has the freedom to choose,” said Phiri.

Other athletes preparing for the games are Chancy Master and Rashid Taimu.