Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHAT began as a regular day in Madziva, Mashonaland Central, turned tragic when 12-year-old Morlean Ali (pictured) inadvertently stepped on suspicious fluids, later identified by elders as remnants of a landmine.
The consequences were severe: a headache soon followed and blisters erupted on his legs.
His condition rapidly deteriorated, forcing him to be admitted to Madziva Hospital and subsequently referred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, where doctors were left with no option but to amputate both of his legs.
That was 10 years ago, and that is how Ali lost both legs.
But he never lost hope.
Seven years later, he ventured into wheelchair racing, motivated by a desire to prove that one can still showcase talent even if they were disabled.
Ali has since competed in several races. They include the Tanganda, Econet Victoria Falls, PPC and Airforce Musabvunda races.
The now 22-year-old Ali is targeting the 21km Outeniqua challenge race set for George town in South Africa on March 15.
“In life, you don’t give up,” he says, as has become his motto.
He lost his mother two years before he was amputated, but his circumstances continue to spur him on.
“You just have to showcase your talent regardless of your circumstances,” Ali tells Zimpapers Sports Hub.
He is a previous winner of the Airforce Musabvunda race.
“I have raced at 14 competitions so far.
“I also did well at Tanganda, PPC and other notable races,” he says.
Just like most people living with disability, Ali faces a lot of challenges, some of which are financial.
His wheelchair has seen better days.
“The tyres are worn out as you can see; the chair is no longer that comfortable,” Ali says.
But there is a ray of hope for the athlete, a boost ahead of the race in George town next month.
“I now have support from a company called Eye Freight.
“I think I will improve with this support, in terms of equipment and all the other key stuff,” says Ali.
He was born and raised in Marondera, but his mother hailed from Madziva, where he met his fate.
Ali has since moved on with life as he targets to eke out a living through wheelchair racing.
Apart from the upcoming Outeniqua challenge race, he is bracing for a hectic season that will see him participating in a number of local races.
“It’s going to be quite a busy schedule, but I will try my best.
“Races are available, but sometimes we get less remuneration as compared to able-bodied athletes.”
