Sports Legend Elliot Mujaji Laments Zimbabwe’s Neglect of Athletic Infrastructure
ZVISHAVANE – Paralympic icon Elliot Mujaji has sounded the alarm over the troubling repurposing of sports facilities in Zimbabwe, warning that this alarming trend jeopardizes the nation’s athletic future.
In his hometown of Zvishavane, Mujaji condemned the transformation of once-thriving sporting grounds into agricultural plots and church spaces.
The two-time Paralympic 100-meter gold medalist described the situation as “a national tragedy,” lamenting the lack of foresight by authorities.
“It breaks my heart to see sports spaces disappearing. Churches and maize fields have taken over, and no one seems to care. Our future athletes are being robbed of opportunities,” Mujaji said.
The paralympian’s warning comes as Zimbabwe faces a steady decline in sports infrastructure.
Many facilities in high-density suburbs have been left to decay, while others have been outright commandeered for non-sporting purposes. Local authorities, Mujaji said, have turned a blind eye.
The crisis reflects a worrying lack of commitment to developing global-caliber athletes. Mujaji, who brought Zimbabwe international acclaim with victories at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Paralympic Games, is part of a dwindling legacy of world-class talent.
Adding to his frustrations, Mujaji criticized the fleeting recognition given to Zimbabwe’s athletes. Despite a rare $20,000 reward from then-President Robert Mugabe, Mujaji said that long-term support and respect remain elusive.
“In other countries, athletes are celebrated for life. Here, you’re only acknowledged on the day of your victory and forgotten the next,” he said.
Mujaji has taken matters into his own hands by founding the Elite Athletics Academy in Zvishavane, where he trains over 30 young talents. Yet, financial constraints have stalled his dream of expanding the program to other regions such as Gokwe, Sanyati and Zhombe.
The paralympian issued a heartfelt plea for the preservation and development of sports facilities. “If we don’t act now, Zimbabwe will lose its place on the international stage and fail to inspire the next generation of athletes,” he warned.
