By Patson Kawewe
Zambia’s top Athlete Muzala Samukonga has returned home from the Rabat Diamond League where he secured qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after finishing second in the Men’s 400m race behind Alexander Doom of Belgium with a time of 44:57s which was Muzala’s Seasonal Best.
Speaking to the media upon arrival at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Muzala expressed his excitement of qualifying to the Olympics and emphasized on importance of having good preparations ahead of the global event.
“I would say qualification to the Olympics was not a big deal for me because I know my abilities, if not for the injury I sustained last year I would have secured qualification to the games as early as last year. I will continue working hard with my coach to make sure that I am very prepared to be able to win a medal in Paris,” said Muzala.
“As we are preparing for this prestigious global sporting event, I would like to appeal to the Government, National Olympic Committee of Zambia, Zambia Athletics and the Corporate world for more support so that we can be fully ready to compete for the medals,” he added.
With the Men’s 4×400m Relay Team still in contention of qualification to the Olympics, Muzala Samukonga downplayed the possibility of him having pressure at the games because of having to compete in two categories.
“I do not have any pressure, this is my job and this is what I do best, so I would not say I will be under any pressure at the games,” he added.
The reigning African Champion further encouraged the three boxers in Margaret Tembo, Stephen Zimba and Mwengo Mwale who are scheduled to fly out tonight to Bangkok, Thailand for the second Boxing Olympics to believe in themselves and put God first as they make Zambia proud.
