Online Reporter
Abel Ndooka
THE City Sports Centre will turn into a warzone this Saturday when more than 300 karatekas from across Zimbabwe clash in the inaugural Mayor’s Challenge Cup, a high stakes tournament that promises full contact fireworks.
Organised by Kyokushin Budokan Zimbabwe in partnership with the Harare City Martial Arts Club, the event is already oversubscribed, with fighters from all corners of the country eager to compete for top honours in one of the biggest local karate tournaments of the year.
Karatekas from different age groups and categories, both male and female, will square off under the banner of the International Karate Organisation Kyokushin Budokan, as they chase history by becoming the first champions of this newly minted competition.
Some of the top names expected to grace the tatami include Sempai Arnold Kashiri (25), a student of legendary Shihan Samson Muripo, and Tsitsi Muranda, who also trains under Muripo’s guidance. Rising star Nigel Makaza (23), who trains under Sensei Lowell Mazwei, is also among the favourites tipped to make a statement.
Piniel Nzenga, secretary general of both Kyokushin Budokan Zimbabwe and Harare City Martial Arts Club, said the idea behind the tournament is to grow the sport from the grassroots.
“Our vision as an association is to grow karate in the country, so we came up with the idea of hosting this tournament, which is going to be an annual event,” Nzenga said.
“This is the inaugural event and it has already been oversubscribed by fighters from different clubs who are eager to come and participate. So, we are happy and looking forward to hosting a very successful tournament this coming Saturday.”
Zimbabwe Karate Union chairman, Shihan Tawanda Mufundisi, said the tournament isn’t just about trophies, it’s also a scouting ground for national team selection.
“The International Karate Organisation Kyokushin Budokan the Mayor’s Challenge Cup is going to be one of the biggest tournaments organised this year,” he said.
“As Zimbabwe Karate Union, we are looking forward to it as we are going to use this tournament to select fighters to join the national team. We recently organised the Champion of Champions tournament, and karatekas who excelled then, and if they excel again this Saturday, will automatically be selected to be in the national team.”
Online Reporter