Zimpapers Logo

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE National Karate Federation (ZNKF) president Joe Rugwete says they have engaged the Government, through the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), seeking financial assistance ahead of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Karate Championships.

The competition is set to be held in South Africa at the end of the month.

Seven countries, Zimbabwe, Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia and Zambia, will participate in the competition.

“We are coming from Covid-19, a period where even traditional sponsors are struggling. So it has been difficult for us administratively to find partners. We have approached the Government for assistance. We remain confident that all will work out well. Technically we are ready and have already selected a team that is well capable of doing extremely well,” said Rugwete.

ZNKF held its final selection meet at the weekend with the National Coaching Unit concluding the process that began in September.

Therefore, only athletes that participated and excelled in the 2022 Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Tournament, the Kurai Open Invitation and the Clash of the Titans were eligible for national team selection.

Geraldine Muusha and Leona Munyaradzi will stand in the girls’ 13 years and under category. Monica Victor and Brenda Dube will represent the country in the Under-17 female category.

Tashiana Sekerani is the only representative in the Under-21 female Kumite category, with Kudzai Takaedza and Ashely Khudu competing in the under 55kgs female kumite category and over 68kgs female kumite category respectively.

ZIMBABWE National Karate Federation

For the Under-13 boys, Kata Lovemore Mutume will carry the country’s flag, while Neil Jirira will represent the country in the same age group in the Kumite category.

The rest of the team is completed by Tanyaradzwa Ziwira, Tinashe Mbodza, Tamuka Ziwira, Tapiwa Nyikadzino,

Innocent Ntini, Adolf Chipwanyira and Fortune Nyabanga, who will compete in the Kumite category.

The coaches will be Winston Nyanhete, Gerald Muusha, Victor Bunu, Tatenda Mushonga and David Dube.
Joshua Mutambanengwe, Ndabezinhle Mazibuko, Rhodesia Mhosva and Shepherd Ziwira will go in as referees. The head of delegation will be Fradson Shavi.

Other events ZNKF expects to take part in include the World Games in Birmingham, England, the UFAK Championship in Bamako, Mali, FISU UWC Combat Games in Ekaterinburg, Russia, and the WKF Cadet-Junior and Under-21 World Championships in Konya, Turkey .— @innocentskizoe