From SHAMAOMA MUSONDA  In Bulawayo –
AN unheralded Moono Munkombwe yesterday won gold for Zambia after winning the 3000m steeplechase to close a successful outing for the athletics team at the 2014 Africa Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region Five Games.
Zambia’s medal count rose to 25 after an injury hit 4X100m relay team added bronze following their third place finish in the finals.
Munkombwe, who was switched in steeple chase late by coach Kezzias Nyendwa, surprised all, including his trainer, when he took the title by a huge distance clocking 09:21 minutes to get Zambia’s sixth gold medal.
“When I look at his performance in training, I could see a steeple chase champion and I started talking to him about it. But what I did not expect is him winning by a ‘mile’. It’s so good and encouraging and I am very, very happy with all the athletes,” Nyendwa said.
In the 4×100 metres relay final, the athletes had to beg their coach to allow them race after Joseph Sinkala suffered an ankle injury by replacing him with a unwell Godfrey Chama, who insisted on running.
After a long debate, the athletes were allowed to race and the quartet comprising Sydney Siame, Brian Kasinda, Chama and Jonathan Katakala put up a good show to time 41.16 seconds.
Zambia was widely expected to win a gold medal in 4X100 metres relay and it was understood why the runners refused to give up knowing too well that they had a good chance of minting a medal.
When it was time for the 4×400 metres, Nyendwa refused to even entertain any talk on taking part in the relay opting to allow Chama get some rest and recuperate.
Chef-de-Mission Gibson Muyaule had to intervene by telling the athletes not to stretch themselves if they were carrying knocks as that would aggravate the injuries and risk their young careers.