UNITED Arab Emirates-based Zimbabwean athlete, Royal Mabika has sent a come-and-get plea to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority as he quietly pushes the Visit Victoria Falls mantra in his adopted home.
The 30-year-old marathon runner, a product of former Olympian, Cuthbert Nyasango said he is proud to be pushing forward the brand Zimbabwe in a foreign land and winning gives him goosebumps as he gets to fly the national flag higher.
"Whenever l run internationally l feel that I'm proudly Zimbabwean for sure because when results come there is always a Zimbabwean flag attached to it. It's an honour to be able to self-represent my country on an international stage. I'm working on a visit to Victoria Falls mantra. l have an idea to put that tag on my running vest. This is meant to promote the brand Zimbabwe and also tell people about Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe," Mabika told The Sports Hub.
"Representing my country on the international platform is an exhilarating experience, which makes me proud of my roots. I describe it as a moment of immense honour and responsibility, as I carry the hopes and expectations of my country. The opportunity to compete on a global stage against top-tier athletes from around the world can be both thrilling and daunting.
"It often involves rigorous training, discipline, and a strong sense of national pride, making every race a significant and memorable event for me. And the most exhilarating part is me being able to say I’m Zimbabwean with so much pride."
Mabika is currently preparing for the scorching heat and gruelling Saudi Arabia Alula Desert Blaze in the Middle East set for August 24 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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"This is the most challenging race in the Middle East because we run during the heat so it turns out to be very difficult. However, these difficulties are what drives me to showcase my talent in these competitions and raise the country's flag high," he added.
"Running in the desert is very difficult and requires a very tough mind, challenging as it sounds, the good part about the Middle East now is that there are air-conditioned stadiums so you get to choose where you want to train. I do indoor training during the summer, but mostly we adapt to train during the nights here in Abu Dhabi that's how most runners in the Middle East operate."
However, the Puma-sponsored athlete has also found a companion in a Zimbabwean-owned firm that deals in oil, Shumba Oils and Sheepy Concierge, who recently came on board to sponsor him.
"I have a great support system in the UAE. Right now I'm juggling my coaching and sports development life with training at the same time. These are two different jobs, but l always push myself to the extreme," Mabika said.
"I'm also being supported by a Zimbabwean-owned company called Sheepy Concierge that is supporting my vision as an athlete and I'm super grateful to Roy Nyakasawa and Simba Chikukwa for believing in my capabilities in a foreign land.
"This is the biggest summer event held in the Middle East drawing participants from all over the world battling for a US$49 000 prize money. The race has 10km, 21km and 42km categories. However, I'm eyeing the half marathon after a marathon debut that l did recently. For me, races in the Middle East mean a lot because of my endorsement with Puma Middle East."
He paid tribute to Nyasango for hand-holding into the marathon trade.
"Long-distance running is something that l started with the help of Cuthbert. I would say he believed in me so much. So, Cuthbert and I stayed in the same neighbourhood in Beatrice and the rest took care of itself up to where I am now because of his love, encouragement and support. I owe him a lot," he said.
"In terms of winning, every athlete needs to be on the podium with a win and I'm aiming to be at my best by the time of the race to be able to reach my maximum potential and compete for a better result if not a podium finish. I'm aiming to finish the event as l cannot talk about time at this particular event because of the temperatures. There are some rich pickings too.
"My advice to aspiring runners is that consistency is the game, don't stop doing what you love. Do it perfectly and one day you will be recognised and rewarded handsomely."