News / Local
Zim soldier, 'ultra-marathon runner' gets SA contract
10 Nov 2011 at 04:23hrs | Views
ONE of Zimbabwe's top athlete, Leonard Koki has been offered a contract by a top South African company, Mr Price in recognition of his ever improving performance.
Koki, based at HQ One Infantry Brigade in Bulawayo got the contract after coming fourth in the South African City to City marathon in September.
In an interview an ecstatic Koki said the Mr Price deal would help him with his training.
The deal will also see Koki competing in a number of international races with Mr Price catering for the costs.
He was also grateful to his employers, the Zimbabwe National Army for allowing him to compete at international races.
"I am a happy soldier because my commanders give me an opportunity to showcase my talent. This year has been good for me as I managed to get a performance based contract with Mr Price. I will be going back to South Africa in December to sign the contract.
"I will be getting 3 500rand a month from the sponsor for my upkeep which should go a long way in assisting my training. Mr Price will also provide me with air tickets and kits for my races," said Koki. He has a best of 2 hours 49 minutes 15 seconds in the 50km event, which he believes he can break.
Koki will be one of the many big names that will compete at the weekend's Hope Fountain Road Race.
The roadrunner said he had made up his mind in competing in the Comrades Marathon next year where he would challenge fellow Zimbabwean and three time winner Stephen Muzhingi.
"I have been training hard and my target is to maybe do a 2 hours 47 minutes or so. It will all depend on the environment or the route of the event but I am setting up a target which I believe can be achieved. I have registered for next year's Comrades Marathon and I hope to give Muzhingi and others a good run for their money.
"This weekend (Sunday), I will be competing in the Hope Fountain Road Race and I want to win it," said Koki.
Koki, based at HQ One Infantry Brigade in Bulawayo got the contract after coming fourth in the South African City to City marathon in September.
In an interview an ecstatic Koki said the Mr Price deal would help him with his training.
The deal will also see Koki competing in a number of international races with Mr Price catering for the costs.
He was also grateful to his employers, the Zimbabwe National Army for allowing him to compete at international races.
"I will be getting 3 500rand a month from the sponsor for my upkeep which should go a long way in assisting my training. Mr Price will also provide me with air tickets and kits for my races," said Koki. He has a best of 2 hours 49 minutes 15 seconds in the 50km event, which he believes he can break.
Koki will be one of the many big names that will compete at the weekend's Hope Fountain Road Race.
The roadrunner said he had made up his mind in competing in the Comrades Marathon next year where he would challenge fellow Zimbabwean and three time winner Stephen Muzhingi.
"I have been training hard and my target is to maybe do a 2 hours 47 minutes or so. It will all depend on the environment or the route of the event but I am setting up a target which I believe can be achieved. I have registered for next year's Comrades Marathon and I hope to give Muzhingi and others a good run for their money.
"This weekend (Sunday), I will be competing in the Hope Fountain Road Race and I want to win it," said Koki.
Source - Byo24News
