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Ellina Mhlanga–Senior Sports Reporter 

THE Zimbabwe Olympic Committee have welcomed the partnership with Nedbank to support Isaac Mpofu’s preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The Games are due to take place from July 26 to August 11.

Mpofu is one of the two athletes that have so far qualified for the international multi-sport event. 

And yesterday received a boost in his preparation for the Games with Nedbank joining hands with ZOC to support his preparations to a tune of US$10 000. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the partnership in Harare yesterday Gonye paid tribute to Nedbank for their involvement in sport.  

“I am keenly aware of Nedbank’s long standing involvement, commitment and investment in sport, not only in Zimbabwe but in the region. And I am hoping this involvement will go beyond what we are doing now.

“For that, as sport and Olympic Committee in Zimbabwe we are truly grateful and that support is in line with what have got in terms of our strategic plan that runs up to 2025, which speak of, in goal number one, athlete development and support.

“You are playing a key role to this goal, focusing on ensuring well supported and adequately prepared athletes who will perform optimally at world level competition. 

“And I just want to say thank you for coming on board, for being involved in partnering Isaac,” said Gonye. 

The marathon runner was the first Zimbabwean athlete to qualify for the Games in December 2022. 

He won a bronze medal when competing in the men’s half marathon at the just ended African Games, in Accra, Ghana. 

Nedbank executive head of treasury, marketing and corporate affairs Latifa Kassim

“Our partnership with the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee for Isaac’s Olympic Games is a recent development.

“When we found out that Isaac is going to be participating at the Olympics we felt we needed to support him.

“More so because Isaac is part of eight Nedbank runners that we sponsor on a monthly basis and on an ongoing basis whenever they have got other races outside Harare, in Harare, outside the country.

“So we are sponsoring him for his preparations for the Games.

“I think it’s in line again with our desire to encourage healthy living through sport. To encourage also people to see the opportunities that are there through sport,” said Kassim.

The African Games bronze medallist got into camp towards the end of January and is training under the guidance of coach Benson Chauke. 

Mpofu said he is grateful to Nedbank, and getting a podium finish at the continental Games is an inspiration. 

“I am grateful for the sponsorship. So far most of the key areas highlighted will be catered for. So for training and other things it will be easier.

“It is an inspiration to me, getting that bronze. And also I am positive because those were African Games, which means there were best African athletes there and I managed to run toe to toe with some of the Kenyans and Ethiopians that I think will be there in Paris.

“So we got positive results there, which shows that we are in the right direction,” said Mpofu.

Nedbank senior manager – administration Romeo Matanhire said they recognise and celebrate Mpofu’s efforts. 

“Isaac Mpofu, a name synonymous with endurance and determination has consistently breached boundaries of human capability. His unwavering dedication to the sport of running has earned him accolades and admiration. 

“As Nedbank we recognise and celebrate this pursuit of excellence,” said Matanhire. 

The signing ceremony was also attended by ZOC chief executive Marlene Gadzirayi.