HARARE - Zimbabwe's wheelchair racing team is confident of achieving good results at the 2014 Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge (OCC), set to take place in George, South Africa, on February 15.
Zimbabwe joins hundreds of international athletes from UK, Germany, Australia and Ghana in battling for honours at the prestigious South African event.
Speaking during a send-off ceremony hosted by Nandos Zimbabwe on Saturday, captain Edmund Makutya said the team was in high spirits.
The send-off ceremony saw the team being presented with various donations from 28 companies amongst them Colgate Palmolive, Aviation Ground Services, Altfin Life and Spar Distribution.
“I’m travelling to South Africa not at my best but I’m confident the rest of the team will achieve good results,” Makutya said.
“I’m not saying I won’t give it a good fight, but my preparations did not go as I would have liked. I also want to appear for new wheelchairs.”
Elford Moyo, who won his category in 2012, is using a wheelchair that he acquired in 1999.
Samson Muroyiwa is using a wheelchair he acquired in 1998.
“If we are achieving this with these old chairs what more with new ones,” he said.
Reigning Sportsman of the Year with a Disability Moyo said the donations will go a long way in lifting the team’s morale.
The Danhiko-based athlete will be out to better his silver medal standing he achieved at the competition last year.
“When the corporate world chips in like this then we don’t feel disadvantaged despite our disability,” he said.
Four-time Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability, Margret Bangajena, was also bullish.
“I obviously want to maintain the standards I have set,” said Bangajena, who has dominated the 42 kilometre T 53/54 class since 2009.
Team: Magdalene Madzivire, Alex Mukadla, Wilson Nyatsoko, Edmund Makutya, Samson Muroyiwa, Dorcas Hwatira, Elford Moyo and Margret Bangajena.