A soldier, a pastor and a kickboxer

Don Makanyanga
GIFT MACHIKWA MURINDA (pictured right) is a dangerous man; armed both spiritually and physically.

The 28-year-old is a chaplain in the Zimbabwe National Army, leads a church, and holds a fourth Dan black belt in kickboxing.

Murinda, who is based in Mutare, says he does not have problems balancing life in the barracks, behind the pulpit, or in the dojo.

“I believe it’s all about being called to serve God both as a pastor and kick boxer,” he said.

“What many people do not appreciate about kickboxing is the fact that it is more than just the punches and the kicks.

“It is a discipline which teaches honour, respect, character, hard work . . . Galatians 5 verses 22 and 23 talk about these things.”

The cited Scripture reads: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Murinda, who ministers at St Michael’s for the Anglican Church in Chatsworth, said his congregation stood solidly behind him both as a pastor and a kickboxer.

“They saw me growing up, serving in the church as head of security, before I went to study Theology hence they appreciate the kind of man that I am.

“At my work place (ZNA) they have also accepted that I am a leader of my parish and a kickboxer.

I am blessed to have people who are very supportive around me,” he said. Murinda was introduced to kickboxing by his father and won his first title at the age of 12 in Botswana.

“I knocked out my opponent inside two minutes and I couldn’t believe it because he was much older than me and a father of two.

“It was a proud moment for me and even though I have won several other titles in my career that maiden win means a lot to me, it was a miracle and I will forever cherish it,” he said.