A New Chapter in the Legacy of Alois Bunjira
For many sports lovers across southern Africa, the name Alois Bunjira instantly brings back memories of dazzling runs down the wing, precise crosses, and a fighting spirit that defined his days at Mamelodi Sundowns, Jomo Cosmos, and Bidvest Wits. Yet, for those who have followed his post-football journey, Bunjira’s story has taken a remarkable new turn — one that combines athletic passion, community empowerment, and international recognition.
After years of lighting up football stadiums, the Zimbabwean star has channeled his energy into a completely different field: long-distance running. His brainchild, the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon, has transformed from a local dream into an internationally certified event, putting Zimbabwe’s scenic Honde Valley firmly on the global athletics map.
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The Birth of a Dream: The NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon
In October, Alois Bunjira officially launched the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon, in partnership with NetOne, one of Zimbabwe’s largest mobile telecommunications providers. The collaboration marked a powerful fusion of sport and corporate partnership — one that aims to promote health, tourism, and youth development in the country.
The marathon’s name, “Albun”, cleverly draws from Bunjira’s own identity — a blend of his first and last names, Alois Bunjira. It is not just a personal signature but a statement of pride and ownership over a project deeply connected to his roots.
The marathon takes place in Honde Valley, a lush, picturesque region in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, known for its rolling tea estates, coffee plantations, waterfalls, and mist-covered hills. This location holds personal significance for Bunjira — it’s where he was born in 1975, making the event a heartfelt tribute to his origins.
A Milestone for Zimbabwean Athletics
The upcoming edition of the marathon, scheduled for 22 November, carries special significance. It has officially become the first marathon in Zimbabwe to be certified by the World Athletics Board.
This recognition, secured just last month, means the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon now meets international standards — from its course measurements to timing systems and safety protocols. Runners who compete in this marathon can now use their times to qualify for major global races, including the prestigious Comrades Marathon in South Africa, one of the world’s toughest ultra-marathons.
For Zimbabwe, this certification is not just a sporting achievement; it is a symbol of progress. It marks the country’s entry into a global network of officially recognised athletic events — opening doors for local athletes to compete and be acknowledged on international platforms.
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‘A Dream Come True’: Bunjira Reflects on the Milestone
When asked about the World Athletics certification, an elated Bunjira described it as a dream fulfilled.
“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,”
said Bunjira in an interview with FARPost.
His words echo a man not content with personal accolades but driven by a mission to uplift others. For Bunjira, the marathon is more than a race — it’s a movement aimed at inspiring healthier lifestyles and tackling pressing social issues, especially among the youth.
From Football Hero to Sports Visionary
To fully appreciate this achievement, one must look back at Bunjira’s storied football career.
After beginning his journey in Zimbabwe, he made his mark in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL), where he became known for his flair, creativity, and consistency. His time with Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits earned him a loyal following, while his stint with Jomo Cosmos showcased his adaptability and leadership.
Sixteen years after retiring from professional football, Bunjira continues to embody the same work ethic that made him a fan favorite. Yet, instead of scoring goals, he’s now setting milestones — blending the discipline of professional sport with entrepreneurial innovation.
Merging Football Pedigree with a Passion for Athletics
Bunjira’s transition from football to marathon organization may seem unconventional, but it’s rooted in a shared foundation: discipline, endurance, and community.
Football taught him the importance of teamwork, strategy, and resilience — qualities that have become invaluable in his new venture. Launching an internationally certified marathon from scratch requires not only passion but also meticulous planning, partnerships, and an unshakeable belief in the vision.
By fusing his sporting background with his entrepreneurial spirit, Bunjira is bridging the gap between Zimbabwe’s football and athletics communities — creating opportunities for collaboration, sponsorship, and shared growth.
Beyond the Marathon: A Commitment to Youth and Development
Bunjira’s efforts extend far beyond the race track. He remains deeply invested in nurturing the next generation of Zimbabwean talent through his Albun Academy, based in Harare.
The academy focuses on youth football development, providing young players with technical training, mentorship, and exposure to professional pathways. It stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring footballers — especially in a country where access to structured development programs can be limited.
In addition, Bunjira continues to contribute to the professional game through his involvement with Caps United FC, one of Zimbabwe’s most storied football clubs and part of the nation’s “Big Three.” As part of the club’s marketing structures, Bunjira brings not only brand-building expertise but also a deep understanding of how to engage fans and sponsors in modern sport.
Empowering Communities Through Sport
At the heart of Bunjira’s work lies a deep sense of community empowerment. The NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon is designed not only to attract athletes but also to benefit local residents, small businesses, and the tourism industry in the region.
Honde Valley, though breathtakingly beautiful, has often remained underdeveloped and overlooked in national tourism narratives. By hosting an internationally recognised marathon there, Bunjira is helping to shine a spotlight on the valley’s natural and cultural treasures — encouraging visitors, media coverage, and investment.
The marathon also promotes economic participation for locals, from hospitality and food services to transportation and merchandising. It’s a ripple effect that turns sport into a vehicle for sustainable growth.
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Fighting Social Challenges Through Sport
Bunjira has often spoken passionately about using sport as a tool to address broader social issues — particularly drug and substance abuse, which has increasingly affected Zimbabwean youth.
Through initiatives linked to the marathon and his academy, he aims to inspire young people to pursue healthier alternatives, discover their potential, and find purpose through sport. By combining fitness, education, and mentorship, his programs embody a holistic approach to youth empowerment.
This vision resonates with global trends where former athletes are using their platforms to champion causes beyond the field — reinforcing sport’s power to unite, heal, and transform communities.
A Symbol of Hope for Zimbabwean Sport
In many ways, Alois Bunjira’s journey reflects the broader narrative of Zimbabwean sport: resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence despite challenges. His success in securing World Athletics certification demonstrates what’s possible when passion meets persistence — and serves as a blueprint for other local organizers aiming to raise their events to international standards.
For Bunjira, this is only the beginning. He envisions the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon growing into one of Africa’s premier running events, attracting elite athletes, sponsors, and tourists from around the world. More importantly, he hopes it will continue to inspire a generation to dream big, work hard, and believe in the transformative power of sport.
Looking Ahead: The Road to November and Beyond
As the marathon’s next edition approaches on 22 November, excitement is building across Zimbabwe’s sports community. Runners from across the region are expected to converge on Honde Valley to experience the challenging yet breathtaking course — a blend of steep climbs, lush landscapes, and the infectious spirit of local supporters.
With NetOne’s continued partnership and Bunjira’s leadership, the marathon is poised to become an annual celebration of endurance, unity, and pride. For Zimbabwe, it’s a step toward reclaiming its place in the global sporting conversation. For Bunjira, it’s the realisation of a dream that began decades ago — when a boy from Honde Valley first kicked a football and learned the value of chasing goals, both literal and symbolic.
Conclusion: The Marathon of Life
Alois Bunjira’s transformation from professional footballer to internationally recognised marathon founder is a powerful reminder that great athletes never stop running — they just change their track. His story is one of passion repurposed, of dreams reborn, and of legacy redefined.
Through the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon, Bunjira is not only celebrating sport but also building bridges — between generations, between communities, and between Zimbabwe and the world.
And as the runners take their marks this November, every stride they make will carry a piece of his journey — a testament to what it means to keep moving forward, one mile at a time.
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