Fanuel Viriri
17 February 2008
ZIMBABWE'S foreign-based athletes will now be required to remit 3% of their winning cash purses to the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ).
The levy, which was endorsed at NAAZ's annual general meeting in Redcliff last Saturday, is particularly targeted at many Zimbabwean athletes plying their trade in the United States and South Africa.
In the past, the NAAZ used to deduct 10% (of the cash purse) each time locally based athletes were invited to international races through the association. In return, the association would foot both travel and accommodation expenses of the athletes.
And in a move likely to hit the athletes' pockets, NAAZ also upped the "clearance levy" to $500 million each year, up from $80 000 last season. Athletes have to be cleared by both NAAZ and Sports and the Recreation Commission before taking part in international races.
Joseph Mungwari, the NAAZ president, told Standardsport the levy would go a long way in developing the sport at grassroots level.
"The levy will go towards the development of other athletes at home," Mungwari said. "The foreign-based athletes are very much aware of their obligation. In fact, some associations in other countries are getting 20% of their athletes' winning bonuses."
Mungwari said the association estimates more than 50 Zimbabwean athletes are in the United States alone. NAAZ has suggested it clears an average of 50 local athletes each month to compete in international races, particularly in South Africa.
Most local athletes -- reeling from lack of sponsored competitions in the country -- are crossing the country's borders to compete in South Africa, which has become the modern-day El Dorado for the deprived runners.
Athletes who have made South Africa their second home include Kudakwashe Kanduna, Thabita Tsatsa, Rutendo Nyahoza, Samukeliso Moyo, Marko Mambo, Oliver Kandiero, Cuthbert Nyasango, Tsungai Mwenengeni, Elijah Mutandiro, Lewis Masunda and Elmore Sibanda.
A fortnight ago, Mungwari said he was worried about the Kenyan syndrome -- of participating in every commercial race -- which was now rampant among local athletes as they seek to earn foreign currency.
Asked about collection of the levy, Mungwari said: "The money will be collected through the athletes' managers and the organisers. All the athletes compete in races sanctioned by the International Association of Athletics Federation."
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