Online Reporter
Muvhuso Chibi, [email protected]
AS Beitbridge settles into the rhythm of another late August afternoon, an altogether different pulse is gathering momentum in the border town. On August 29, Machembere Beer Hall will trade its familiar atmosphere for the crackling energy of competition when the inaugural Zimbabwe Tae-Bo All Styles Tournament bursts onto the local sporting scene, promising a spectacle of grit, skill and ambition unlike anything the town has witnessed in recent years.
For a community where football has traditionally dominated conversations in homes, streets and social spaces, the tournament represents something refreshingly different. It is a bold attempt to widen the sporting horizon and shine a spotlight on disciplines that often exist in the shadows despite producing remarkable athletes and life-changing opportunities. The event is the brainchild of local sports promoter and martial arts instructor Ngonidzashe Mandaa,
whose vision has brought together a colourful blend of fighting codes under one roof. From the precision of karate and taekwondo to the explosive power of boxing and kickboxing, alongside the artistry of wushu and the disciplined grappling of judo, the tournament aims to celebrate the diversity of combat sport in all its forms.
The atmosphere is expected to reach fever pitch when the headline contest gets underway. Local favourite Victor
“Hard Rock” Chhiwora will step into the ring against Harare’s Takudzwa “King” Mupakwa in a much-anticipated 90kg showdown. Long before the opening bell sounds, supporters are expected to pack the venue, eager to witness a clash that has already generated excitement among martial arts enthusiasts and curious spectators alike. In a town that thrives on stories of resilience, competition and local pride, the prospect of one of Beitbridge’s own taking centre stage has added an extra layer of anticipation to the occasion.
For Mandaa, however, the tournament is about much more than a single contest or a day of entertainment. The roots of the initiative stretch back through decades of personal experience, discipline and dedication. A former Zimbabwe
Kickboxing Organisation student, he retired from competitive martial arts in 2011 after achieving a Fourth Dan Black Belt, a milestone that reflected years of commitment to the sport. Yet retirement never diminished his desire to contribute to the development of young athletes and create opportunities where few previously existed.
“When people talk about sport in Beitbridge, the first thing that comes to mind is soccer. Yet many other sporting disciplines can transform lives and create opportunities for young people,” he said.
His words capture the essence of a movement that seeks to challenge perceptions and broaden possibilities. In many communities, sporting talent often goes unnoticed simply because pathways to growth are limited. Mandaa believes combat sports can open doors for young people, offering not only physical development but also a sense of purpose and direction.
That belief lies at the heart of the tournament’s unique identity. Rather than focusing on a single discipline, the event embraces diversity through its “All Styles” concept, an approach designed to welcome athletes regardless of their chosen fighting background. In a sporting world where codes often operate in isolation, the tournament aims to
create common ground where practitioners can showcase their talents and learn from one another.
“I wanted to create a platform where no athlete feels excluded because of the style they practise. The ring is open to all styles and all competitors who are willing to test their skills,” said Mandaa.
The initiative is made all the more remarkable by the story behind its funding. Having since answered a call to ministry and now serving as a prophet, Mandaa has channelled his passion for community development into the project. The inaugural tournament has been financed by his church, with additional support coming from friends and local businesses that share his belief in the power of sport to uplift communities and inspire young people.
His motivation has been shaped by memories of his own time as a competitive athlete. Years spent training, competing and travelling provided unforgettable experiences, yet he witnessed many talented sportsmen and women return home with little tangible reward for their efforts. While passion can fuel an athlete’s journey, he believes recognition and meaningful incentives are equally important.
“We fought, suffered injuries, travelled widely and gained popularity, but many athletes returned home with little to show for their sacrifices besides certificates. The younger generation wants something tangible. That is why we are introducing prizes and opportunities for competitors,” he said.
The tournament’s organisers have sought to ensure that the event remains inclusive from the outset. Competitors as young as six years old will have an opportunity to participate, with careful attention being paid to matching athletes according to their age, size and level of experience. Safety and fairness, Mandaa insists, remain non-negotiable principles as the competition seeks to establish itself as a respected platform for development.
Yet beyond medals, trophies and accolades, Mandaa sees a deeper purpose behind every bout contested and every lesson learned in training.
At a time when communities across the country continue to grapple with social challenges affecting young people, he believes sport offers practical solutions that extend far beyond the confines of a ring or dojo.
“Sport teaches discipline, respect and self-control. These are values that many young people need today. If children see these activities happening regularly, they will be inspired to join and stay away from drugs and other anti-social behaviours,” he said.
The vision does not end on August 29. In Mandaa’s mind, this tournament is merely the first chapter in a much larger story. He dreams of building a vibrant combat sports culture in Beitbridge, one capable of producing athletes who can compete and excel on bigger stages while putting the district firmly on the national sporting map.
“People from Harare and Mutare are already inviting us to take the programme there, but our priority is to build a strong foundation in Beitbridge first. We want to grow local talent and make this district known for producing champions,” he added.
For now, organisers are focused on delivering an unforgettable experience that blends the intensity of competition with the excitement of entertainment. There is hope that increased sponsorship will help transform the initiative into a sustainable fixture on the calendar, creating regular opportunities for athletes and spectators alike.
Fighters, fans and supporters are expected to travel from different parts of the country, turning Beitbridge into a gathering place for martial arts enthusiasts united by a shared love of combat sport.
As the countdown continues, anticipation is steadily building. What began as one man’s vision has evolved into an event carrying the hopes of athletes, the enthusiasm of supporters and the potential to reshape perceptions of sport in the border town.
Should the inaugural Zimbabwe Tae-Bo All Styles Tournament live up to expectations, it may be remembered not merely as a day of action-packed contests, but as the moment a new sporting tradition found its footing in Beitbridge and began charting a path towards a promising future.
