Kephas Kesten to represent Malawi in Cameroon
Long-distance runner, Kephas Kesten, will be Malawi’s sole representative at Africa Cross-Country in Cameroon on March 12 after Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) failed to source funds for three athletes.
The association has dropped Abina Tchinga and Mercy Malemba, who were short-listed for the trip.
AAM general secretary, Frank Chitembeya, confirmed yesterday that Malawi National Council of Sports has funded the Central Region men’s senior category runner, Kephas.
“We are grateful that the Sports Council has given us K1 million, which is enough for his air ticket and other expenses. For three athletes, we needed K3 million,” Chitembeya said.
“By sending an athlete to the continental event, we are mending our relationship with world athletics body, International Association for Athletics Federation (Iaaf), which did not give us our annual $15,000 [K11 million] in 2015 grant after we missed all 2014 continental championships.”
Kasten, who will not travel with a coach, will compete in 10 kilometres in Yaonde, with a place at next year’s World Cross-Country Championship at his stake. He will fly out on March 9.
Athletis coach, John Mwathiwa, yesterday said Kephas was in good shape, doing final touches to his preparations in Lilongwe.
“Being in the last stages of the preparations, I am concentrating on drilling him a combination of speed and endurance. He will need both in Cameroon,” Mwathiwa explained.
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