Chronicle EditorEllina Mhlanga: Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Karate Union technical director Paul Danisa says they are looking forward to wrapping up their year with a bang when they host the Champion of Champions tournament in Harare this weekend.The event is slated for Friday and Saturday, with participants from semi-contact and full contact styles expected to fight for honours in various categories on offer. The competition, which will bring down the curtain for this season, will see seasoned and upcoming fighters showcase their talent at Athenaeum Hall.
It kicks-off with a referee’s course on Friday at Old Hararians Sports Club. Danisa said they are expecting most of the seasoned fighters to take part in the main competition on Saturday.
“We have two rings, one for full contact and the other one for semi-contact. I think all the big names will be there. We have Tangai Mhlanga, Malvern Chomusora and Brian Chiringa. These guys have won at continental competitions.
“We also have a few young champions coming through the ranks. The likes of Dean Ramsey, who is graduating into the seniors full throttle as well as Thomas Manyeruke,” said Danisa.
Danisa said the tournament presents them with an opportunity to assess their athletes and select the national team for next year.
“As well as it is the last tournament for the year, for me I also use it to pick the team for next year. We have several championships lined up for next year. We have the Zone Six in June, we have the African championships end of May in Cameroon. So again we are going to take a team there.
“Definitely everyone who didn’t make it last year will try to make it this year. The tournament will also give us the opportunity to assess our fighters from areas where we introduced karate during the course of the year. We have people in Marondera, Bulawayo and in Harare from Budiriro to be specific,” said Danisa
Zimbabwe Karate Union president Joe Rugwete said they are grateful to AfricaBet for their support towards the hosting of this year’s edition as they weighed in with a $10 000 sponsorship package.
“The 2016 Champion of Champions, a major national tournament has been made possible with the help of our partners and members of the Zimbabwe Karate Union.
“I must therefore give my special thanks to our partners, AfricaBet as well as all the parents and guardians of our athletes who support them in various ways as they pursue excellence and perfection of character through practising karate,” said Rugwete.
Other outstanding fighters expected for Saturday’s tournament are Victor Bhunu, David Dube, Emily Abraham and Precious Kazembe and Innocent Ntini.
Online Reporter