THE domestic sporting fraternity connived to betray the
best sprinter to emerge in this country, Artwell Mandaza, when they snubbed his
burial yesterday.
Mandaza, who died at Howard Mission Hospital on Monday, was
laid to rest at his rural home in Nhutsve Village, Chiweshe.
But the scenes at his homestead, before his burial, were
not consistent with someone who once clocked 9,9sec in a 100m race back in
1970.
There was no one from the Ministry of Youth, Arts, Sport
and Recreation in attendance for the burial of this legend. Instead, his
funeral resembled that of a mere villager.
Even his wife, Mebo, who died on December 23, 2015 was
given a huge send-off, surprisingly by the same people who abandoned Mandaza
yesterday.
Only National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe vice-president
Enias Nhoro, former president Joseph Mungwari and some board members, as well
as athletes Abel Chimukoko and Mako Mambo, were in attendance.
Sports Commissioner Nigel Munyati had to drive all the way
to Chiweshe, just after touching down in Harare from personal business outside
the country, to attend the burial.
Besides those few stakeholders, and a handful of
journalists, the funeral only had mourners from surrounding villages and the
Salvation Army’s Nzvimbo corps.
Nhoro gave a moving tribute in his speech.
“We are gathered here to celebrate the life of arguably the
best athlete of all time in Zimbabwean sporting history.
“If one looks at it in retrospective, the feat he managed
to attain against the background of racial inequalities, Mandaza was just a
rare talent,” said Nhoro.
“The prizes he has under his belt are incredible. “Had it
not been for the punishing laws, against black Africans during his time, most
probably, he would have won several medals at Olympic Games.
“His contribution to athletics is second to none right from
his time as an athlete up to administration.
“Sport was his middle name and it’s unfortunate the country
has lost such an incredible figure. The void he has left in the sport will be
difficult to fill.”
Munyati described Mandaza as an inspirational figure. “Whether
one was into boxing, football or any other sport, Mandaza’s achievements would
always inspire you to want to do even better. “His records, his passion and
determination pushed some of us into sport.
“The country has lost a hero,” said Munyati. Herald
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