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ZIMBABWE will host the inaugural All-Africa So-Kyokushin Karate Tournament at Chitungwiza Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex on July 18.
Sensei Wesley Murisa, chair of the organising committee, said the All-Africa So-Kyokushin Karate tournament was the first high-profile contest in the country and several dignitaries were expected to attend.
“They are coming in for two main purposes, first as our guests of honour. Secondly they will be helping us with their expertise as we have not staged a tournament of such magnitude before,” said Sensei Murisa.
At least five international administrators are expected in the country tomorrow as preparations for the competition go a gear up.
The team will be lead by Shihan Jiyuu Shibata from Japan and Shihan Bastiaan from South Africa.
At least 200 karatekas from Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Malawi and South Africa will battle it out in four main divisions: boys, girls, men and women.
One of the country’s top karatekas and African Karate Champion Tangayi Mighty Mhlanga will not be taking part as he still nursing injuries sustained at the last month’s World Fighting Kyokushin Tournament in Spain.
“It is quite sad that Tangai will not be part of the festivities at the All- Africa tournament. We had hoped to use the tournament as his return but he is still nursing the injuries he suffered during the World Fighting Kyokushin tournament.
“It is nothing major but just tendons, joints and tissue scars,” said Sensei Samson Muripo, his trainer.
In Mhlanga’s absence the mantle will fall on other local heroes like Shadreck Chigombe, Brian Chiringa, Brenda Dunduru and Jean Claud Mufundisi.
Chigombe was the first runner-up at the WFKO African Championships earlier this year, while Chiringa won gold at the Shorin Kempo Kaikan All Styles Full Contact Men’s Open.
Dunduru won gold at the Ladies Open Kyokushin National Karate Tournament earlier this year.
Online Reporter