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Grace Chirumanzu Harare Bureau
The first All Africa So-Kyokushin Karate Championships exploded into life at Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex on Saturday with Zimbabwe dominating the showdown.

The Zimbabwe team amassed over 15 medals with most categories having blazing finals between the hosts.

Zimbabwean fighters who won medals include Brenda Dunduru (women lightweight), Sharleen Amoda, Jean-Claud Mufundisi and Sly Karidzamimba. Zimbabwe’s most experienced female karateka Amoda, who is a third dan black belt, put up a brave fight in the finals against an experienced South African fighter Mbali Msomi to settle for second place.

Sensei Amoda believes with more exposure female fighters in Zimbabwe have a chance to prove a force to reckon with on the international stage.

“It was a great experience for us as Zimbabwean ladies, I’m happy about making it to the finals,” she told our Harare Bureau.

“Although I’d have loved to win I think a bronze medal was a good achievement considering that we were fighting against fighters who have more exposure of international tournaments. Here in Zimbabwe women in karate aren’t given much limelight and it doesn’t help us in showing the young girls that it can be done.”

She added: “The last time I fought in a tournament was some 13 years back and the reason I came to register for this one was to make sure there’s enough representation of women for my country. I believe we made our presence felt and all we need is more exposure to win more gold medals like what Brenda did in the lightweight.”

The tournament director, Saiko Sensei Samson Muripo said the tournament was staged to his expectations with over 2,000 spectators packing the Chitungwiza hall.

He believes Zimbabwe has great potential to dominate the international scene.

“I’m happy that we managed to stage this event, which is our first major tournament in the country. Our fighters did exceptionally well and I think what we’ve witnessed today is great talent that’ll take my place on the international scene when I retire,” he said