Alois Bunjira, a former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits star, has carved a new legacy by launching a marathon that is now an internationally recognised qualifier.
After hanging up his boots, the football‑turned‑entrepreneur launched the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon in October. He partnered with Zimbabwe’s mobile‑telecoms provider, NetOne.
‘Albun’ is a nod to Bunjira’s forename and surname, while the race itself takes place in Zimbabwe’s Honde Valley – a scenic heartland, where he was born in 1975.
The upcoming edition of this marathon is scheduled for 22 November. Most importantly, this will be the first marathon in Zimbabwe to be certified by the World Athletics Board—a milestone secured just last month.
The marathon is being accepted as a qualifier for international events such as the Comrades Marathon, which is usually held in South Africa.
‘IT’S A DREAM COME TRUE’: EX-MAMELODI SUNDOWNS STAR BUNJIRA
The former Sundowns winger, Bunjira, is on cloud nine after earning international recognition, a rare and remarkable transition for a former footballer.
“We are now internationally recognised after the certification. It is a dream come true – one of our main goals was to gain international recognition, and we are on track to meet the other objectives, including helping fight drug abuse and promoting fitness,” Bunjira told FARPost.
Having retired from professional football 16 years ago after stints with Sundowns, Jomo Cosmos and Bidvest Wits in the Betway Premiership, Bunjira is still punching above his weight.
He has successfully merged his football pedigree with a passion for athletics, opening a new chapter for Zimbabwean sport and keeping his name firmly in the public eye.
However, Bunjira remains actively involved in Zimbabwean football. Apart from his NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon, he is the founder of the Albun Academy, which is based in Harare.
Moreso, he is part of Caps United FC’s marketing structures. In addition, Caps United is one of the traditional ‘Big Three’ of Zimbabwe’s top-flight football, a club that Bunjira played for.
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