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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
IT’S that time of the year again when most people take a break from their busy schedule and spend time with their families celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. The Herald caught up with various sport personalities on how they will spend the day today. Dynamos captain, Murape Murape said Christmas day is time to come together with family and one’s loved ones.

“I am going to spend it with my mother, my family and my nephews. We will be home, have a braai just to get together with my relatives. We will be at my house in Milton Park,” said Murape.

Former karate world champion, Samson Muripo said they are already in celebration mood after holding a party for the so-kyokushin karatekas over the weekend.

“We had a party at the weekend and on Unity Day. Tomorrow (today) I will be home with my family relaxing because I will be working on Saturday.

“I am holding a seminar for brown and black belt holders at Raylton Sports Club. It will be mostly the seniors taking part in the seminar,” said Muripo.

Zimbabwe’s motor rallying ace, Jamie Whyte said they will be in Kariba for their Christmas.

“We are going to Kariba, we are going for fishing with family. It’s been a good year, my son was also racing so we had a good year,” said Whyte.

Sportsperson of the Year, Charles Manyuchi said he had successful year but will not be taking a break today.

“I think 2014 was my year and I just want to thank God I managed to get a world title and defended it. Come next year I think I will get another title.

“As a sportsperson I don’t celebrate Christmas because according to the bible Jesus was not born on Christmas day. So tomorrow (today) I can go for a road run or I will go to the gym because to me it’s just like any other day. I can celebrate new year not Christmas,” Manyuchi said.

Zimbabwe Olympic Committee chief executive, Anna Mguni said after a hectic schedule she will be relaxing with her daughters and relatives.

“I will be with family, chatting with family, my daughters, mom, brothers and sisters, just resting. It’s also a time to regenerate the batteries because 2015 is going to be a challenge sports wise,” said Mguni.

Zimbabwe Cricket test captain, Brendan Taylor said today is an opportunity to spend time with his family as he is always busy.

“I will be spending it with my family because I hardly get time to do that, so it will be me with the kids and family having a Christmas lunch. It’s pretty simple for me, I like tradition being at home, opening presents, having a good time together,” said Taylor.

World Navi Northern Region Division One soccer league Soccer Star of the Year, Zivanai Mhanda said he will be visiting his parents in his rural areas.

“I am happy with my achievements for this year, I never imagined myself being where I am now. And I will be going to my rural area to see my parents and celebrate with them together with my other relatives.

“It’s a tradition every Christmas I go to my rural area and spend the holiday with my parents,” Mhanda added.

Long-distance runner, Cutbert Nyasango said he will start his day with a training session as he prepares for next year’s events before taking a rest to be with his family.

“It’s very simple, this is the season we do a lot of preparations so tomorrow we will have a training session in the morning and then after that I rest for the rest of the day with family and friends.

“We have a fully loaded programme and we have no rest until the 4th or 5th of January,” said Nyasango.

Zimbabwe’s top golfer, Tongo Charamba said he will be taking a rest at home to recharge his batteries for next year’s competitions starting early January.