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Ngqabutho Moyo Sports Reporter.
SEVEN Bulawayo karatekas were graded at the Barberton Gym on Saturday by chief instructor of the Dragon Karate Academy sensei Elias Mwanaka Sibanda.
The grading lasted six days from Monday to Saturday last week.
City’s favourites like Sebenzile Sibanda who recently scooped a silver medal in Zambia got a blue belt.  Anneasha Moyo, 25, got an orange belt.

Sebenzile said she is now aiming for a brown belt.
“I am aiming at getting the brown belt, which is above the blue belt I got today,” she said.

Matabeleland Karate Association public relations officer Greatman Agrippa Sibanda told Chronicle Sport that he was impressed with the level of performance and participation by the female karatekas.

“I was very impressed with the performance and participation of the women and girl child in the grading sessions in December,” said Sibanda.

In the men’s category Thomas Mbira, Lucky Ndlovu and Nicholas Barwa got green belts while Steven Ncube and teammate Oberd Waendepi managed to scoop the second highest level, brown belts.

The grading event attracted resident instructor sensei John Mhangwa who is also the chairperson for Matabeleland Karate Association.  Sensei Mwanaka said the grading was graced by a number of sensei from other clubs.

Mhangwa said it is very pleasing to note that girls are now actively involved in karate.
“Sebenzile Sibanda has done the province proud and we are proud of her. l foresee a future sensei in a few years from now,” he said.
The next grading is in December.