Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
Football legend Peter Ndlovu has called on the whole nation to rally behind Kudakwashe Chiwandire as she bids to take the WBC gold belt from Mexican boxer, Yamileth Mercado.
The former Warriors captain said this at a luncheon organised by Zororo – Phumulani Funeral Services in Pretoria for Chiwandire, who is en route to Mexico for a title fight.
As she awaits her visa, Kudakwashe Chiwandire had a chance to have lunch with the legendary Warriors’ captain as the two legends of Zimbabwean sport shared notes in South Africa.
Chiwandire’s visa processing has been delayed as the Mexican consulate in South Africa requested additional papers from the promoters of the bout.
However, Peter Ndlovu challenged Chiwandire to look beyond that and focus on the greatest fight of her life.
“You have achieved so much more than what we could have ever done with so many challenges. Now it’s time to focus on the task at hand you are very strong mentally, meaning already 60% done. The remaining percentage is to go and take the belt. Remember, you are no longer fighting for yourself or Zimbabwe only, but you are representing the continent and the whole of Africa is behind you,” Ndlovu said.
Chiwandire was charmed by the words of the legend.
She said, “It encourages me more to get support from the legend. He has achieved so much but he has time to come and meet me and encourage me. It gives me motivation and I know wherever I go, the whole of Zimbabwe is behind me and they want me to bring the belt home.”
The mercurial former Warriors captain also went further to call for more support towards the girl child.
“The country should be at a standstill when she is fighting. Girl children deserve our support and everyone else. We have seen the President showing the way by supporting her and we should all follow suit, because we have talented female athletes who can achieve more than what we did if supported properly.”
Zororo-Phumulani has supported Chiwandire since her first title fight with Catherine Phiri in Zambia before giving her winning bonuses after overcoming Zulina Munoz at the Harare International Conference Centre.
Chiwandire is expected to leave Pretoria this Wednesday evening for Mexico, with the fight scheduled for Saturday in Chihuahua.
