CHIPALO HAILS MUZALA

By Fulman Mukobeko

Athletics Coach Jonathan Chipalo has hailed Muzala Samukonga as an incredible athlete.

 Muzala settled for silver in the Ghana African Games 400m final won by Chidi Okezie of Nigeria.

 Speaking in an interview, Chipalo said Muzala is a great athlete.

He said with the convincing performances, Muzala has put his name on the World map.

“The boy is incredible. You can’t take anything away from him. But these are individual efforts. He came from a very serious injury before going to the African Games. The performance was brilliant. All these runners who reached somewhere did exceptionally well,” Chipalo said.

Chipalo, however, said the calendar affects runners adding that there was a need to have a calendar that has competition.

“You need a calendar that has two Zambia Athletics (ZA) competitions and two area body competitions because it is a competition that improves performance,” he said.

 He said minus competition, one is on holiday which is non-existent in sports. He said the current team has done its part but that they have reached a barrier where they cannot improve anything.

“I will give you an example; where is the equipment for high jump? If I want equipment for high jump, I have to go to OYDC or Heroes Stadium. Yet, we can provide high jump equipment in provinces,”

And Chipalo said there is a need for Zambia to come up with the age group competition if athletics is to be propelled to greater heights.

He said age group competition is very necessary.

 “We have World class runners but change is inevitable. We need to bring in age group competition Under 18, Under 16 and Under 15 because these are not there. So, where do parents take their young ones to showcase their talent? It is from these age groups,” he said.

 He has since appealed to colleges and universities to come on board.

 He said while money in athletics is important, a sponsor can only be attracted if there is a structure and strategic plan in place.

 “For me, at this point in time it is only change that can bring more development in the athletics world,” he said.