By Thathe Msimango
Former Dusi Canoe Marathon K2 winner has highlighted the racial inequality which dogs the sport.
Khumbulani Nzimande said it would take huge financial backing for a black canoeist to win a race.
The Dusi Canoe Marathon is an annual marathon canoe race held over three days between Pietermaritzburg and Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. It is run along the Msunduzi and uMgeni Rivers over a total distance of 120 km.
The race consists of the K1 category for solo paddlers and K2 for pairs. This year’s race is scheduled between 16 and 18 February.
Nzimande, who won a K2 race in 2020 with his partner Andy Birkett, said corporate companies need to invest more in black paddlers to witness a K1 winner.
“As black paddlers we don’t get much financial backing. There are sponsors who are trying to fill that gap but it is not enough,” said Nzimande, who lives in the Valley of a Thousand Hills.
“If you have a car, then you need petrol. It is a tough situation but I’m still adamant that one day, a black canoeist will make history and win a race by himself.”
With this year’s race coming closer, the 27-year-old Team MyLife star has downplayed being tagged as the favourite.
“I don’t think I’m one of the favourites to win the race. I’m not even close to finishing in the top 10,” he told Scrolla.Africa.
“To be serious, my focus has been on the family. I recently got married and I have a newborn child so I spend most of the time with them.”
“There are a couple of strong guys like Siseko Ntondini, who I think will be a huge threat. Even the likes of Mpilo Zondi are in good shape. But the race requires experience which can be the deciding factor.”
Pictured above: Khumbulani Nzimande in a canoe
Image source: Supplied
