Zimbabwean full-contact karateka team proved a strong force to reckon in Africa scooping six medals at the 5th Motlasana Cup held in Klerksdorp, South Africa on Saturday.
By Grace Chirumanzu
Despite the dreading road trip of over 20 hours to the host venue, Tungamirai Madzimbamuto and Romeo Gora sailed to the semi-finals of men’s Under-80kgs division where Madzimbamuto was crowned the Champion and Gora settling for fourth place medal.
Shelvin Mugoni pushed himself to greater heights holding on to the last minute of the men Under- third place fight to win silver medal. Mugoni put up an ultimate Zimbabwean fighting spirit falling toddling off the tatami while his opponent’s feet gave up on him as the South African fell off the ground after the fight.
There was no denying, South Africa has an upper hand in Africa in the development of women’s fighters from grassroots through to the seniors, most of them were mothers who denied the stereotypical tag of women as soft.
But Zimbabwe again attested to the fact that there is talent in the sport whose lack of financial support has been its greatest enemy in giving its fighters the much-needed exposure. The country’s women too are claiming their space in the aggressive sport with medals from Precious Kazembe and Brenda Dunduru adding to the booty.
Kazembe was mistakenly registered in two categories, the girls Under 50kg and Ladies under 55kgs and she embraced the challenge with tenacity winning in both categories.
The other fighters who gave a good account of themselves despite walking away without silverware include Tinotenda Mudhokwani, Shelton Murape, Cosmas Banda, Trevor Jowo and Shadreck Chigombe.
The next regional tournament is the competitive Thokoza tournament in South Africa where Zimbabwe is again expected to give the hosts a life devoid of peace in a showpiece that would offer snippets of what to expect at this year’s All Africa tournament on July 22 in Chitungwiza.
