MDF concludes half marathon that saw winners being promoted

The Malawi Defence Force (MDF)soldiers have on Friday conducted a 30 kilometres half marathon race that saw some soldiers being promoted in their positions.

The MDF Commander General, Vincent Nundwe has promoted Asimenye Simwaka of Cobby Barracks from the rank of Private to Lance Corporal, as she finished on first position in the women’s category and Corporal Brave Mwamphande of Chilumba Barracks who finished on first position in the men’s category.

Among others, he also upheld Fostina Mbemba of Kamuzu Barracks, Chifundo Chanza of Cobby Barracks, Happy Mchelenje and Prince Mphepo of Moyale Barracks for finishing on second and third positions respectively.

In his speech, MDF Army Commander Vincent Nundwe said he has done this as one way of encouraging soldiers to work hard and motivate others to do better in future.

The commander also highlighted that as MDF they are not progressing in sports because they are deploying people who are not performing well in their positions.

“We need to move forward in sports as soldiers and even civilians. Most people prefer music to sports because the people who are in positions are not putting much effort on sporting activities,” Nundwe said.

He urged soldiers to always be physically fit by focusing much on sporting activities.

On his part president for the Malawi Olympic Committee who is also MP for Rumphi North, Jappie Mhango commended Malawi Defence force Soldiers for organizing the event saying the he encouraged athletes.

“It is very important to organise these functions, it is these functions that give a platform to our athletes to prove themselves. We need to do more in making sure that there is a progression of athletics in Malawi,” Mhango said.

The winners of the women’s category, Corporal Asimenye Simwaka has expressed gratitude for being promoted from her position saying the promotion will make her work extra hard.

“I am very happy that I am the winner and on top of that I have been promoted to be corporal, the development which I shall not forget. It took time for me to run 10 Kilometers but by the grace of God I won the race and Malawians should expect more from me in different international competitions,” Simwaka said.

On his part Corporal Brave Mwamphande acknowledged his trainers for giving him instructions that have assisted him to be the winner.

“Am very happy for wining this event, vote of thanks should go to my trainers for the good job they have done to me so as to win this race. Typically, it takes time for a person to be promoted at work and being promoted today because of this event, I do not take it for granted,” Mwamphande said.

Moyale Barracks win overall trophy of the tournament.

The tournament helps MDF soldiers as preparatory for the coming Mzuzu half Marathon to take place in March this year.