FORMER sprinter Costar Takawira has thrown his hat into the race for National Athletics Association presidency set for October 26 in Gweru.
A benefactor of local sport over the years through his company Baldmin Holdings, which hosts a number of race meets around the country, Takawira has decided to step out of the shadows and play his part in revitalising the local athletics mother body as Zimbabwe seeks to become a force to reckon with globally.
He will be up against the incumbent Tendai Tagara, who has been the local athletics boss for three terms. In announcing his candidature for this month’s election, Takawira stated that his desire was to ensure that Zimbabwe has more athletes being contenders for medals at global events such as the Olympics and World Championships.
“I have decided to throw my hat into the presidential race because I feel it is high time my experience both in sport and business administration is utilised for the benefit of our youth and upcoming champions,” said Takawira.
“I believe if elected, I can help bring more glory to the sport and attract more corporate sponsors. “The current leadership has done its bit and I believe it’s time for a new broom to take over from where they have left off.
“Zimbabwe has a lot of talent and I think we should have more athletes competing at global events if we prepare well and give them enough support.
“I also want to bring corporate governance, accountability and transparency to the sport including accommodating every stakeholder for the betterment of the sport we so dearly love as the people of Zimbabwe,” added Takawira, who has over the years facilitated scholarships and school fees payments, while also organising sports events and other Corporate Social Responsibility programs under the Costar Takawira Mangwende Foundation.
At least 15 athletes have been sent to various universities and colleges in America through the foundation, among them Bradley Makuvise, Faith Nyati and Kelvin Chiku. Incidentally, Takawira is the only challenger to the incumbent president Tagara, who was re-elected unopposed for a third term at the 2020 elective general meeting which was also held in Gweru.
Meanwhile, elections for the first vice-president, second vice-president, treasurer’s posts which are currently held by Titus Madzingo, Siphathisiwe Machaya, Enock Ngwenya and Cynthia Phiri will also be held during the October 26 annual general meeting.