Zimaza Games 2024: Thrills, Spills And Excitement As 15th Edition Marked In Nairobi

_{Tala Aipira of Malawi (left) wins women’s 100m at the 2024 Zimaza Games held at the Kenya School of Law in Karen, Nairobi at the weekend. PHOTO/ SAMMY MOSE}

NAIROBI, Kenya- The thrilling 2024 Zimaza Games were held across various grounds in Nairobi on Saturday with participating athletes showcasing exceptional talents.

The ecstatic participants were rewarded for their efforts with medals, trophies and even cash for their feats.

Manners Chuma of Zimbabwe and Tala Aipira of Malawi were among the players who dazzled in their categories in the 15th edition of the showpiece involving three southern African countries namely Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia.

Chuma and his compatriot Keith Chibafa steered their country to lift the golf tournament held at the Golf Park along Ngong Road  on two under par 68. Zambia came second on five over par 75 as Malawi finished third on 19 over par 89.

_{Zimbabwe Ambassador to Kenya, Uganda and Somalia Winpeg Moyo (second left) and Malawi High Commissioner to Kenya Callista Mutharika (third left) make a toast to kick-off the Games at the kenya School of Law in Karen, Nairobi. PHOTO/ SAMMY MOSE}

In addition, Chuma bagged the overall winners award in the golf contest that was gracing the annual games for the very first time. Chibafa settled for runners up while their compatriot Stacey Mika emerged both the lady winner and the second runners up (overall ranking).

“The golf contest was competitive, at the same time very amazing. We had a good experience on the course. We hope to defend this title next year,” noted Chibafa after the victory.

“We also had a wonderful time on the ’19th hole’ where we not only shared drinks but also exchanged ideas that will be progresive to our businesses,” he added.

Aipira cruised to the tape to win two gold medals and a silver in the athletics showdown held at the Kenya School of Law in Karen.

_{Leap of faith! Emmanuel of Zimbabwe crosses the finish line to win the men’s 100m race. PHOTO/ SAMMY MOSE}

The Braeburn School student triumphed in the Girls U12 100m and the Girls U12 200m categories before settling for silver in the women’s 200m.

Dazzling Aipira also led Malawi to clinch the overall team title in athletics on 52 points, Zambia came second on 49 as Zimbabwe completed the podium finish on 44.

“It feels good to be a champion, I’m actually using these games to step up training for my forthcoming school championships set for Kasarani Stadium later in the year,” underlined Aipira who aspires to be an elite athlete in the future.

In football, Zambia edged Malawi and Zimbabwe 1-0 apiece to be crowned champions. Malawi were second while Zimbabwe were third.

The thrilling games were held under the theme, ‘Celebrating the past, embracing the future,’ with an aim of promoting unity, interaction, networking and sharing of ideas and experiences among the Zimbabweans, Malawians and Zambians living in Kenya.

_{The kids too were not left behind in the contests as they engaged in a 50m dash. PHOTO/ SAMMY MOSE}

Among the sponsors who came on board to support this year’s edition were TBD, FCM, Abasa Bank, Nyaradzo Group and Mambos Butchery and Grill.

Others were JTL, Mukuru, Tose, Ibis Styles, Embassy of Zimbabwe to Kenya and Mawimbi Seafood.
While commenting on the contests, Zimbabwe Ambassador to Kenya, Uganda and Somalia Winpeg Moyo stated: “The games were special to us this year because it’s Zimbabwe that was hosting them. They also coincided with Zimbabwe’s take over of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) chairmanship.

“These contests are vital in that they help us to celebrate our common heritage, history and tradition, including with our families from across the borders,” Moyo underlined.

“I flew last night (on Friday) from Harare not to miss the competition as it provided a big  opportunity to get together and celebrate with our families, apart from the sporting aspect of it,” she added.

Association of Zimbabweans Living In Kenya Chairman Fungai  Makoni noted that the Zimaza Games have grown from strength to strength each season, bringing people together in a healthy and competitive environment that transcends beyond the borders.

“I encourage citizens from the involved nations to embrace the sports, including the newly introduced golf,” Makoni highlighted.

Zambia High Commission Chargé d’Affaires, Luyando Sichula who was attending the games for the first time admitted she was excited at the same time thrilled with the talents showcased in the competitions.
Her sentiments were echoed by the Association of Malawians Living in Kenya representative Maggie Kapanda who was gracing the occasion for the third time.

“We had lots of fun and shared our foods together, we enjoyed networking and brainstormed on ideas that can enable us to expand and grow our businesses,” stated Kapanda.

Zimaza Games 2024 Results

Golf Team Awards

1.Zimbabwe   -2/68
2.Zambia +5/75
3.Malawi +19/89

Golf Individual Awards

-Overall champion: Manners Chuma
-Runners Up: Keith Chibafa
-Second Runners Up: Stacey Mika
-Lady Winner: Stacey Mika

Athletics

1.Malawi 52 points
2.Zambia 49 points
3.Zimbabwe 44 points

Football

1. Zambia
2. Malawi
3. Zimbabwe

Chess Junior

1.Zimbabwe

Chess Seniors

1.Zambia
2.Zimbabwe
3.Malawi

Volleyball

1.Malawi
2.Zambia
3.Zimbabwe

Full Up Bottle

1.Zambia
2.Malawi
3.Zimbabwe

Tug of war women

1.Malawi
2.Zambia
3.Zimbabwe

Tug of war men

1.Zimbabwe
2.Zambia
3.Malawi