Record breaker Mpofu revisits difficult upbringing

📅 Published: August 20, 2025

📰 Source: thestandard

Curated by AllZimNews.com

Mpofu was disqualified for failing to wear a second bib at the back, which displayed a second license number and his R50 000 prize was forfeited.

Born in Hwange, the 33 year old Mpofu started with a number of sport codes before his long distance travelling to school inspired him to venture into athletics.

More so, his father was a footballer which prompted Mpofu to fall in love with sport.

His upbringing was a tough one as he hopped from one school to another until he completed his secondary education but looking at his recent performance, Mpofu now believes he is destined for great things. “I have participated in many races that I have lost count of, managing to win some.

So surely I am enjoying my career, especially this year, it’s a brilliant one.

I’m writing my own history through sports, impressive achievements indeed,” said Mpofu. “I was a multi competitor, I did different sports disciplines.

I once played soccer, volleyball and did athletics.

But with much motivation, I managed to go on with athletics which I did from school until now.

I think long distance travelling to school when I was at home inspired me to be a long distance runner. “I loved sports since I was a kid.

I saw my father’s photos every time, he was a football player back then.

So I was so inspired to be like him.

Mpofu, who is a police officer stationed at Fairbridge Support Unit in Bulawayo, recalled one of the first big events he took part in where he later realised that being an athlete comes with a prize. “My motivation came when I realised I can get something from running.