Nine countries confirm cross-country participation
Nine countries have confirmed participation in the Southern Africa Cross-Country Championships which Malawi is expected to host at Njamba Freedom Park in Blantyre between February 19 and 21.
According to Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) president Godfrey Phiri, over 200 athletes from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Angola, Mauritius and Swaziland will battle for medals during the event.
Phiri said groundwork on accommodating the foreign athletes has already started with financial backing from Sports Council.
Phiri, however, said they are still asking well-wishers to cover an K8 million deficit for the smooth running of the K22 million event.
“The athletes will be accommodated at the Malawi Posts Corporation Centre in Blantyre. However, we are asking companies and individuals to help us with more funding to make the event exciting,” said Phiri.
The race will involve individuals and teams that will compete in 12 kilometres and eight kilometres for senior and junior men respectively alongside eight and six kilometres for women.
This will be the third time AAM will host an international competition following similar events in 2001 at Blantyre Sports Club and in 2007 at Zomba Gymkhana Club.
Malawi’s 24 ambassadors for this month’s contest will be identified during National Cross-Country Championships to be held at Njamba this Saturday.
