Siame tumbles at indoor meet
Published On February 8, 2016 » 1428 Views» By Bennet Simbeye » Sports, Stories
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By NDINAWE SIMPELWE –  SYDNEY Siame’s outing at the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) Indoor Meet in Germany ended in disappointment as the young athlete finished sixth in his heat and failed to make the finals of the 60 metres race. Siame’s Coach Douglas Kalembo, who confirmed the result, said Siame’s performance was not impressive but that he did not expect him to win the race. Kalembo said it was not easy for Siame to come from police training and go straight into an international tournament. “It was difficult for him, as you know he is training at Lilayi, so he went straight to compete at that level. The result was not good to say the least,” Kalembo said. Kalembo however, said the tournament was a good experience for the youngster ahead of the World Championships slated for next month. Siame is the only Zambian who took part in the Indoor Permit while female runner Kabange Mupopo failed to travel after losing her passport and other travel documents. Gerald Phiri who is based in the US did not get an invitation. Kalembo said only the top athletes were invited for Indoor Permit which was a plus for Siame and Mupopo as they were ranked among the best. “You need to underline that Siame was invited to the Indoor Permit because he is ranked among the best. His performance might not have been good but to be invited is already a good thing,” Kalembo said. Meanwhile Zambia Amateur Athletics Association (ZAAA) president Elias Mpondela has urged athletes to remain focused and disciplined ahead of the Olympics Games this year. Mpondela said it would be embarrassing for Zambia if athletes continued to miss crucial races building up to the Olympics. Mpondela said the Olympics were the ultimate competition any athlete aspired for hence, Zambians should take it seriously. “It’s important to remain focused and disciplined. Our athletes can learn from what Catherine Phiri has achieved, she has done it because of being focused and disciplined. We can’t afford to continue missing crucial races. Zambia wants an Olympics medal, it’s like a world cup trophy in football,” Mpondela said. Mpondela hoped that Mupopo who missed the Indoor Permit would be available for the remaining tournaments before the Olympics. Mupopo is in a dilemma as she is embroiled in duo roles where she is also captain of the senior national women’s team which goes into camp this weekend for the Africa Cup qualifier against Namibia on March 6.

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